What is an STC Rating? Understanding the Science of Soundproof Walls

2025-07-30

You often see movable walls described as "acoustic" or "soundproof." But how do you know how soundproof a wall really is? The answer is a number called the STC rating. Understanding STC helps you choose the right wall for your needs.

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

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Let's use some real-world examples. A standard 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 can't understand the words. It would sound like a murmur.

For a truly private meeting room where you don't want any sound to leak out, you would want 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.

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How do partitions get a high STC rating? It's not magic. It's 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, very important are the seals at the top and bottom. They expand to close all gaps, because sound loves to travel through tiny cracks.

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Movable Partition Wall

Acoustic Partition Wall

Operable Partition Wall System

Office Glass Partition Wall

Aluminum Frame Glass Partition

Exhibition Partition Walls

Sound Proof Partitions

Conference Room Movable Partitions

Wooden Partition Wall

Folding Partition Wall

Commercial Movable Walls

MDF Operable Panel Partitions

What is an STC Rating? Understanding the Science of Soundproof Walls

What is an STC Rating? Understanding the Science of Soundproof Walls