logarithmic scale

noun

: a scale on which the actual distance of a point from the scale's zero is proportional to the logarithm of the corresponding scale number rather than to the number itself compare arithmetic scale

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

But the February 6 earthquake was a 7.8—about four times bigger on the logarithmic scale of earthquake magnitudes. —Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 22 Feb. 2023

Earthquake magnitudes at this size are measured in the logarithmic scale: moment magnitude. —Daniel Wolfe, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2023

Although today's quake technically satisfies that prediction, the logarithmic scale used for measuring the power of earthquakes means that a magnitude-8.9 earthquake releases well over 100 times more energy than does a magnitude-7.5 quake. —Patrick Morgan, Discover Magazine, 11 Mar. 2011

This experimental setup approximates quakes of magnitudes 4 through 8, which is quite a range, since earthquakes are measured on a logarithmic scale. —Ashley P. Taylor, Discover Magazine, 8 Oct. 2012

Using a logarithmic scale, the Sun, Mercury, and Mars are all within the same area. —Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 26 Aug. 2022

Sound pressure measurements are on a logarithmic scale, meaning that a small numerical increase in the data represents a substantial noticeable difference in the real world. —Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 18 May 2022

The right panel, using a logarithmic scale shows earthquake numbers at both locations are rising exponentially at the same rate of increase. —Ian Palmer, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2021

Two decibels may not seem like much, but sound pressure is a logarithmic scale. —K.c. Colwell, Car and Driver, 26 June 2021

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Word History

First Known Use

1740, in the meaning defined above