Audio · loudness normalisation
LUFS target gain calculator.
Type the integrated loudness your meter reported and pick a broadcast target. You get the gain to apply, plus a check that the loudest true peak still fits under the ceiling afterwards.
Your measurement
Result
Enter a measured loudness to see the gain.
How the numbers work
Loudness is measured on a relative scale, so matching a target is subtraction: gain (dB) = target LUFS − measured LUFS. A negative result means turn the programme down; a positive result means turn it up. Applying that gain moves every level by the same amount, so the true peak moves too: projected peak = measured dBTP + gain, and headroom = ceiling − projected peak. If the projected peak is above the ceiling, the largest gain a plain level change can apply is ceiling − measured peak, and the loudness you can reach that way is measured LUFS plus that gain. Beyond it you need a true-peak limiter, which changes the sound, so this page does not model one.
Worked example
Measured −18.4 LUFS with a −0.9 dBTP peak, EBU R 128 target. Gain = −23 − (−18.4) = −4.6 dB. Projected peak = −0.9 − 4.6 = −5.5 dBTP, which is 4.5 dB under the −1 dBTP ceiling. A quiet file at −27 LUFS with a −2.5 dBTP peak needs +4 dB, which would put the peak at +1.5 dBTP, over the ceiling; plain gain tops out at +1.5 dB (−25.5 LUFS).
The targets used
- EBU R 128: programme loudness normalised to −23.0 LUFS; where that is not practically achievable (for example live programmes) a tolerance of ±1.0 LU is permitted; true peak must not exceed −1 dBTP during production; measure with an ITU-R BS.1770 meter. LUFS and LKFS are the same unit.
- ATSC A/85: for delivery without metadata, target −24 LKFS, with measurement variation of about ±2 dB acceptable, and true peak kept below −2 dB TP.
- Custom: any target and ceiling you type. Streaming platforms publish their own targets and change them; check the platform’s own help page rather than trusting a number here.
Sources checked 30 September 2026: EBU R 128 (November 2023 edition) for −23.0 LUFS, ±1.0 LU and −1 dBTP; ATSC A/85:2013 with Corrigendum No. 1, section 6, for −24 LKFS, ±2 dB and −2 dB TP (ATSC lists a newer A/85:2026-07 on its A/85 page; check it if your delivery spec cites that edition). The measurement algorithm is ITU-R BS.1770, referenced by both. The gain and headroom formulas are plain arithmetic, verified by test. This page does not measure your audio: use a BS.1770-compliant meter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the EBU R 128 loudness target?
EBU R 128 sets the programme loudness target at −23.0 LUFS, with a maximum true peak of −1 dBTP, measured to ITU-R BS.1770.
Are LUFS and LKFS the same?
Yes. EBU R 128 notes that LUFS is equivalent to LKFS, the name used in ITU-R BS.1770. One LU equals one dB.
Can I just apply the gain this page shows?
If the projected true peak stays under your ceiling, a plain gain change reaches the target exactly. If not, the page shows the highest loudness reachable without limiting.
Does this measure my audio?
No. Measure integrated loudness and true peak in a BS.1770-compliant meter first, then enter the two numbers here. Nothing is uploaded.