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What is an STC Rating? Understanding the Science of Soundproof Walls You often hear movable walls called "acoustic"

What is an STC Rating? Understanding the Science of Soundproof Walls You often hear movable walls called "acoustic"

2025-07-30

You often hear movable walls called "acoustic" or "soundproof." But how do you know how soundproof a wall really is? The answer is a number called the STC rating. If you understand STC, you can choose the right wall for your needs.

STC stands for Sound Transmission Class. It is a standard rating. It measures how well a wall, window, or door blocks sound from going through it. The idea is simple: a higher STC number means better soundproofing.

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Let's use some real examples. A normal wall inside a house has an STC of about 35. You can easily hear loud talking through it. A wall with an STC of 45 is much better. You might hear that people are talking, but you probably cannot understand the words. It would sound like a low murmur.

For a truly private meeting room where you want no sound to escape, you need an STC of 50 or higher. A wall with an STC of 55 can block the sound of a loud stereo. You would hear almost nothing.

How do walls get a high STC rating? It is not magic. It is about using the right materials. The inside of the wall is filled with heavy, dense materials like gypsum board and special sound-absorbing wool. The wall is made of several layers. Also, the seals at the top and bottom are very important. They expand to close all gaps, because sound loves to travel through tiny cracks.