---
title: "ISO 9614 (sound power)"
description: "The ISO 9614 series specifies methods for determining sound-power levels (PWL) from sound-intensity measurements. It is the international reference for measuring total acoustic output from a source — distinct from sound-pressure measurement at a single point, which depends on distance and direction."
canonical_url: "https://sylio.co/glossary/iso-9614-sound-power"
last_updated: "2026-06-28T02:29:39.532Z"
---

The **ISO 9614 series** specifies methods for determining sound-power levels (PWL) from sound-intensity measurements. It is the international reference for measuring total acoustic output from a source — distinct from sound-pressure measurement at a single point, which depends on distance and direction.

## Why it matters for sonic-horn specification

Vendor [SPL](/glossary/sound-pressure-level) figures published at 1 m on the bell axis are useful but incomplete — two horns with identical 150 dB SPL at 1 m can deliver different total sound power if their directivity differs. ISO 9614 sound-power measurement is the rigorous way to compare total acoustic output between competing horn designs, and a more meaningful figure for predicting cleaning coverage inside a vessel.

In practice, sound-power data is rarely published on commercial horn datasheets but can be requested for specification or third-party-verified comparisons.

## Related terms

- [Sound power vs sound pressure](/glossary/sound-power-vs-sound-pressure)
- [Sound pressure level](/glossary/sound-pressure-level)
- [Decibel](/glossary/decibel)