IEEE 260.4-1996

To establish a standard set of letter symbols for quantities used in the science and technology of acoustics: also to establish standard abbreviations for a number of acoustical levels and related measures that are in common use. The science and technology of acoustics include sound, ultrasound, and infrasound in all media: gases, especially air; liquids, especially water; and solids are examples of media with which acoustics is concerned. There are many specialties in acoustics, a few of which are: speech, hearing, music, noise control, vibration, shock, and sonar.

To clarify the technical literature of acoustics by providing a standard set of letter symbols for use in mathematical formulations, and a standard set of abbreviations for use in text, especially in tabulations and on graphs; also to encourage the treatment of levels according to the standard rules for all quantities and units; and also to clarify the basic differences among quantity symbols, unit symbols, and abbreviations. This project is a revision of ANSI/IEEE Y10.11(1984).

New IEEE Standard - Superseded. Reaffirmed 2008. Letter symbols for physical quantities used in the science and technology of acoustics are covered. Abbreviations for a number of acoustical levels and related measures that are in common use are also given. The symbols given in this standard are intended for all applications.