How Many Acoustic Panels Do You Need?
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Count the wall space you want to cover, then pick a pack that covers it. Start with the wall behind your speakers or microphone and the side walls at the first reflection points, since panels work best where echo starts. A 12-pack suits a small spot, while a 54-pack suits a full wall, so measure the wall first.
Measure the wall you want to cover
Measure the height and width of the wall behind your speakers or microphone and the side walls beside your listening spot. Each panel here measures 12 by 12 inches, so count how many panels fit across the width and down the height. Write the count down before you shop, so you buy a pack that matches the wall.
Start with the first reflection points
Cover the first reflection points first: the wall behind your speakers or microphone and the side walls beside your listening spot. Acoustic foam absorbs sound instead of blocking it, so it calms echo inside the room rather than keeping outside noise out. Add panels where echo remains after the first round, and stop once the echo sounds even across the room.
Match the pack to the count
The packs here hold 12, 24, 50 or 54 panels. A 12-pack suits a small spot, a 24-pack covers 24 square feet, and the 50-pack and 54-pack suit larger walls. If the count falls between two pack sizes, pick the larger pack and keep the spare panels for the ceiling or another wall.
Check thickness and adhesive before you buy
Thickness runs 1 inch on the TOUO and Temgcuam packs and 2 inches on the SD SODOCT and Knightsacoustic packs. The TOUO pack includes 60 pieces of double-sided adhesive tape and the Temgcuam pack includes 270 adhesive pads, while the SD SODOCT and Knightsacoustic packs need construction adhesive or tape bought separately. Let the panels expand and regain their shape before you mount them.
What you need
SD SODOCT 24 Pack 2” Thick Pyramid Acoustic Foam
A 24-pack of 2-inch pyramid foam panels covering 24 square feet, with flame-retardant certification and a 6-month warranty.
- Thickness: 2 in
- Fire-rated
- Panels in pack: 24
- Material: Acoustic Foam
- 6-month warranty stated
TOUO 12 Pack Acoustic Panels
A 12-pack of 1-inch wedge foam panels, 12 by 12 inches, with 60 pieces of double-sided adhesive tape included.
- Thickness: 1 in
- Fire-rated
- Panels in pack: 12
- Material: Foam
Knightsacoustic 50 Pack Sound Proof Foam Panels
A 50-pack of 2-inch wedge foam panels, 12 by 12 inches, sold without adhesive.
- Thickness: 2 in
- Panels in pack: 50
- Material: Foam
Temgcuam 54 Pack Acoustic Foam Wall Panels
A 54-pack of 1-inch wedge-cut foam panels, 12 by 12 inches, with 270 adhesive pads included.
- Panels in pack: 54, the most here
- Material: Acoustic Foam
These come from our ranked list Best Acoustic Foam, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Do acoustic panels keep outside noise out?
No. The panels absorb sound inside the room and reduce echo, but the SD SODOCT panels are not intended for full soundproofing or noise isolation from outside.
How many panels do I need?
It depends on the wall space you want to cover. Start with the wall behind your speakers or microphone and the side walls, then count the 12 by 12 inch panels that fit. A 12-pack suits a small spot, while a 50-pack or 54-pack suits a full wall.
Do the panels include adhesive?
The TOUO pack includes 60 pieces of double-sided adhesive tape, and the Temgcuam pack includes 270 adhesive pads. The SD SODOCT and Knightsacoustic panels do not include adhesive, so buy tape or adhesive separately.
Can I move the panels after mounting them?
The TOUO tape allows residue-free removal, so those panels can come off the wall without tearing paint. Panels fixed with construction adhesive are harder to move, so check the layout first.
Ranked acoustic panels lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.