Sabin (unit)

The Sabin is defined as a unit of sound absorption. One square metre of 100% absorbing material has a value of one metric Sabin. The unit is named in honor of Wallace Clement Sabine. The total absorption in sabins can be calculated by:

A=S1α1+S2α2+...+Snαn=ΣSiαi

where

A = the absorption of the room (m2 sabin)

Sn = area of the actual surface (m2)

αn = absorption coefficient of the actual surface

Sabins are used in calculating the reverberation time of concert halls, lecture theatres, etcetera.

References