What Is LUFS?
Updated October 2026
LUFS stands for loudness units relative to full scale. It is a single number for how loud a file sounds over its whole length, weighted to match human hearing.
The short version
- LUFS is an average loudness over the length of the file, not a single peak.
- Two files with the same LUFS feel about equally loud, even if their peaks differ.
- Platforms and podcast hosts use LUFS targets to set their playback level.
- Measure the whole file to get an honest number.
The short definition
LUFS (loudness units relative to full scale) is a measure of perceived loudness. It averages the level of a file over time and weights the frequencies the way human hearing does, so bass counts less than it would on a simple meter. The unit is written LUFS, and a value is often shown with the time frame used.
How it differs from peak
A peak meter shows the single loudest moment. LUFS shows the average. A quiet voice with one loud cough has a low LUFS and a high peak. Loudness targets are set in LUFS because they describe how a file feels, not how it spikes.
Why platforms use it
Many streaming services and podcast hosts measure LUFS and adjust playback so different files sound about equally loud. A file much louder than the target can be turned down, and a very quiet file may be turned up with more noise. The loudness guide lists the targets people use.
How to measure it
Use a LUFS meter on the whole file. Short-term or momentary readings change every moment, so use the integrated value for the file. The free LUFS meter on this site measures a file in your browser, and nothing is uploaded.
What to do with it
Set the file to the target you need, then check its true peak. Raising the level to a higher LUFS without checking the peak can cause distortion, and pushing it with a limiter squashes the voice.
Measure it in your browser
The free LUFS meter measures a file in your browser. Tunedzy sets a voice to a loudness target and checks the true peak.
Free tools for this
Frequently asked questions
Is a higher LUFS always better?
No. A higher number usually means more compression. The right target is the one for where the file is going.
Is LUFS the same as RMS?
No. RMS is a simple average of power. LUFS is weighted to how people hear, so it matches perceived loudness better.
What LUFS should a podcast be?
Many podcast guides use around -16 LUFS for stereo, but check your host and platform rules.
Keep going
Loudness for YouTube, Podcasts and Spotify
What Is True Peak (dBTP)?How to Export Audio for Spotify and Apple PodcastsAll guides and comparisons · Tunedzy Go on your phone · Pricing