Understanding NRC: The Key to Comfort

joannahelin6
Nov 24, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Dec 1, 2025

This powerful metric helps determine how well a material can absorb sound—and ultimately how comfortable and functional a space feels.

Why the NRC Matters

The Noise Reduction Coefficient plays a crucial role in designing comfortable, functional, and acoustically balanced spaces. Whether reducing echo in a busy office, improving clarity in a classroom, making a restaurant easier to chat in, or creating immersive sound in a theatre, choosing materials with the right NRC value can dramatically transform a space.

What Is the Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC)?

The Noise Reduction Coefficient, or NRC, is a single-number rating that represents a material’s ability to absorb sound rather than reflect it. NRC values range from 0.0 to 1.0:

0.0 means the material does not absorb any sound, in effectively reflects sound.
1.0 means the material absorbs nearly all sound which strikes it.

So, the closer the NRC value is to 1.0, the better the sound absorption performance.

How Is the NRC Calculated?

The NRC is determined by averaging the sound absorption of a material at four key frequencies: 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz — the range where most everyday noise and human speech happen.

Since it is an average value between these ranges, the NRC provides a helpful snapshot however, it does not show performance outside this range. Real-world results can vary based on installation, room layout, and environmental conditions.

What Do NRC Ratings Mean in Practice?

To understand what makes an NRC value effective, here’s a general guide:

NRC Rating	Performance Level	Ideal Applications
0.5 – 0.6	Moderate	Retail, open-plan offices, residential spaces
0.7 – 0.8	High	Classrooms, conference rooms, hospitality
0.8 - 1.0	Very High	Studios, theatres, performance venues

Where Acoustipics Excels

Acoustipics acoustic pictures currently achieve an estimated NRC of 0.8. This positions them in the high-performance sound absorption category and reinforces Acoustipics as a great choice in acoustic wall décor solutions.

Why Acoustipics Panels Stand Out

✔ High NRC for exceptional sound clarity

✔ Completely customisable — performance with visual impact

✔ Lightweight and easy to install

✔ Durable construction and long-lasting performance

✔ Designed and manufactured in Britain

Is a Higher NRC Always Better?

Not necessarily. While a high NRC means strong sound absorption, choosing the right acoustic material involves balancing other key factors, such as:

Fire safety
Durability
Aesthetic design
Maintenance needs
Budget

Acoustipics products are engineered not only for performance but also to align with these broader requirements — making them suitable for commercial, educational, hospitality, and residential environments.