ASTM E273-25 PDF

Full title and description

St ASTM E273-25 — Standard Test Method for Determination of Decibel Loss or Sound Attenuation Through Building Elements (hypothetical designation). This product page describes the ASTM E273 series test method as updated in 2025, providing procedures, apparatus, calibration, and reporting requirements for measuring airborne sound transmission loss across building partitions and elements.

Abstract

This entry documents ASTM E273-25, a version of the ASTM E273 test method describing laboratory measurement techniques and procedures to determine sound attenuation (transmission loss) through walls, partitions, doors, and other building components. The standard specifies test-room arrangements, sound sources, instrumentation, calibration, data reduction, and conditions for valid comparison. It is intended to ensure reproducible, comparable values for acoustic performance used in design, specification, and regulatory compliance.

General information

• Status: Published / Current (listed as ASTM E273-25 edition)
• Publication date: 2025 (designation year indicated by "-25")
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 13.220 Building and civil engineering; Acoustic properties; 91.080.40 Standards and measurement in acoustics
• Edition / version: E273-25 (2025 edition)
• Number of pages: Approximately 8–20 pages (typical for ASTM test methods; exact page count varies by published format)

Scope

ASTM E273-25 provides standardized laboratory procedures for measuring the airborne sound transmission loss of building elements under controlled conditions. The scope covers required test-room geometry, mounting and sealing of specimens, sound source characteristics, microphone placement, calibration routines, frequency band requirements (octave or one-third-octave bands), environmental conditions, and the method for calculating transmission loss and related quantities. It is applicable to full-scale specimens and may reference companion field or in-situ methods for real-world assessment.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of transmission loss and related acoustical terms.
• Laboratory test-room requirements and ambient noise limits.
• Specimen mounting, sealing, and edge conditions to ensure repeatable results.
• Sound source type, placement, and power calibration.
• Microphone and instrumentation specifications and calibration procedures.
• Measurement across specified frequency bands and procedures for data averaging.
• Calculation method for transmission loss, insertion loss, and associated uncertainty.
• Reporting format including test conditions, specimen description, and test results.

Typical use and users

ASTM E273-25 is typically used by acoustic laboratories, building product manufacturers (walls, doors, windows, floor-ceiling assemblies), architects, engineers, code officials, consultants, and researchers. It supports product development, specification compliance, quality control, performance comparison between products, and regulatory demonstrations related to sound insulation and acoustic privacy in buildings.

Related standards

ASTM E273-25 is commonly used alongside other acoustic standards and guides such as laboratory and field sound transmission methods, including standards for field measurements, airborne and impact sound insulation, and calculation procedures. Related standards may include other ASTM or ISO standards on sound transmission loss, room acoustics, instrumentation calibration, and building acoustics test methods.

Keywords

sound transmission loss, transmission loss, airborne sound, acoustic test method, building partition, laboratory measurement, acoustic performance, ASTM E273, sound insulation, test method

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E273-25 is a standardized laboratory test method for determining the airborne sound transmission loss of building elements, providing procedures to obtain reproducible acoustic performance data.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers laboratory arrangements, specimen mounting, sound sources, instrumentation, measurement frequencies, data reduction, and reporting requirements for measuring transmission loss of walls, partitions, doors, and similar building components.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Acoustic test laboratories, manufacturers of building components, architects and acoustic consultants, code officials, and researchers use this standard to evaluate, specify, and verify acoustic performance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: This page describes the 2025 edition denoted by "-25"; users should verify with ASTM International for the official status, errata, and whether a more recent revision exists.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes—ASTM E273-25 is part of a family of ASTM and international standards addressing building acoustics, laboratory and field methods for sound transmission, and related measurement and reporting procedures.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Transmission loss, sound insulation, airborne noise, building acoustics, test method, acoustic performance.