Which Acoustic Foam Shape Is Best?

You have probably seen pictures of various acoustic foam styles on instagram and youtube.

Some acoustic foam styles include: 

While you may think various styles have advantages over the others, it is actually the thickness of the panels that make more of a difference. 

What Does Acoustic Foam Do?

Acoustic foam is an efficient way to eliminate echoes and absorb sounds in your room. The panels are made from sturdy, open-cell polyurethane that can significantly decrease the amount of reverberation, noise, and echoes. 

Sound can be absorbed by different materials, depending on the type. Acoustic foam is one of these types because it's both soft and porous. When a sound wave comes into contact with acoustic foam it converts some of that energy to heat which causes decay much faster than if there was no material present at all!

Different Thickness Of Acoustic Foam

Acoustic foam comes in various shapes and thicknesses. The biggest variation in performance is thickness, not the actual shape or pattern in the acoustic foam. 

Each thickness absorbs sound waves at different frequencies. The various shapes offer various aesthetic qualities and textures. 

Thinner acoustic foams will absorb the high and mid spectrum sound waves while thicker foam panels absorb high, mid and lower end sound waves.

various thicknesses of acoustic foam panels - different size of acoustic foam

1 inch thick acoustic foam will give you the most bang for your buck. 1 inch foam panels are thin compared to our other foams, but are still effective for reducing flutter echoes and controlling the mid and high frequency ranges. Use these panels when good sound control is desired but substantial absorption is not imperative.

2 inch thick acoustic foam offers more sound absorbing power overall, and will take care of the mid to high frequency ranges. The 2" thick profile is the most popular and a safe bet for anyone planning a DIY vocal booth, studio, home theater, rehearsal space, or a broadcasting area.

3 inch thick acoustic foam will help absorb high, mid, and low end frequencies. These versatile panels can be used in almost any room.

4 inch thick acoustic foam has the highest sound absorbing power, and will help eliminate lower frequency ranges to help tone down bass. Use these panels in rooms with low-end problems.

Bass traps are super thick foam pieces that go into the corner of your room and are the best for absorbing, you guessed it, BASS. If you have a subwoofer, bass amp or nice big monitors it is always good to have a few bass traps.

The below tables shows the Noise Reduction Coefficient ratings for our foam at all the different frequencies. The first table is WEDGE style panels. The second table is PYRAMID style panels. 

noise reduction coefficient NRC ratings table

 

absorption ratings for acoustic foam panels and bass traps

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How to interpret these ratings:

What Is NRC? ( Noise Reduction Coefficient )

The Noise Reduction Coefficient, commonly known as the NRC for a material is simply a measure of how much sound, or acoustic energy, a material can absorb. The below formula will help us interpret what a materials NRC tells us.

NRC = decibles absorbed / decibles reflected

The NRC will be in decimal format. For example, let's say a material has an NRC of 0.30. What we are saying is that the material absorbed 30% of the acoustic energy and reflected 70%.

The NRC is the "Overall" number in the above ratings. The other numbers represent the rating within the single frequency band. 

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Different Shapes Of Acoustic Foam

As we mentioned earlier, the major difference in performance of acoustic foam is the thickness, not the actual shape or style of the panels. However, various textures and shapes offer you different options for the aesthetics in your room!

Check out our different shapes of acoustic foam!

Egg Crate

Wedge

Pyramid

Grid 

grid style acoustic foam sheets

Thick Triangle Wedges (6 inch)

6 Inch Thick Wedges

6 inch thick acoustic foam wedges for sale

Factors to Consider When Choosing Acoustic Foam

Several factors play a pivotal role in the selection of acoustic foam:

  • Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC): Measuring sound absorption efficiency. Our foam was tested by 3rd party labs. We have quality you can trust!
  • Panel Thickness: Influencing sound absorption capability.
  • Panel Dimensions: Ensuring the right fit for the space. We offer small panels for spot treatment, and larger sheets for large coverage areas. 
  • Surface Pattern: Choosing between flat, wedged, or pyramid surfaces to match your aesthetic preference. 
  • Fire-Testing and Fire-Rating: Ensuring safety standards are met. Our foam is ASTM E84 class A. SoundAssured is a safe choice!
  • Appearance: Balancing aesthetics with functionality. Our many colors give you more options when designing your space.
  • Cost and Budget: Adhering to financial constraints. Keep in mind that cheap foam is not going to last as long as professional grade foam, and will not perform as well. 
Keep in mind that acoustic foam is open cell foam and used for sound absorption, it is not used for stopping sound from going through a wall or ceiling. If you are looking for material to stop sound transmission please check out our closed cell foam and soundproofing materials.
What is the difference between acoustic open cell foam and closed cell foam?
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I hope this info was helpful. If you have any questions at all please contact us! We are glad to help!  

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Read More:

What Is Noise Floor And How To Keep Noise Floor Down

What Is Transmission Loss Of Sound ?

Acoustic Foam Room Calculator

Acoustic Foam FAQ

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2 comments

S C Pangaria. I did a feature wall in a really small apartment near a motorway it just made the place feel still. The road noise was still present but no longer bothered me. Didn’t feel on edge

Joshua Cave

How can the noise caused by vehicles running be reduced in the house situated near the highway?

S C Pangaria

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do acoustic panels really work? ▶
Yes, acoustic panels absolutely work when used correctly. Acoustic panels are designed to absorb sound waves, which helps reduce echo, reverb, and unwanted reflections in a room. This creates a cleaner, more controlled sound environment.

Whether you’re treating a home studio, podcast room, home theater, or office space, acoustic panels can make a noticeable difference in speech clarity, mix accuracy, and overall listening quality.
How do I know which panels are right for my room? ▶
Every space is unique. You can contact us for a free room analysis, or check out our guides under the “Learn” section.

Absorption panels help reduce echo and reverb. We offer foam panels and fabric covered panels.

Diffusers scatter sound for a more balanced feel.

Bass traps help control low frequencies that tend to build up in corners.

If you’re trying to block sound from entering or leaving a room, you’ll need soundproofing materials, which are different from acoustic treatments.
Can I order samples? ▶
Yes, we offer acoustic foam samples and well as fabric color swatches. If you are looking for something else please Contact Us.

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What’s the difference between soundproofing and acoustic treatment? ▶
Soundproofing blocks sound from entering or leaving a room. Acoustic treatment improves sound inside the room by reducing echo and reverb.
Can acoustic panels improve speech clarity? ▶
Yes! Acoustic panels are commonly used in offices, conference rooms, and classrooms to reduce echo and improve speech intelligibility. By absorbing excess sound and reverb, panels make it easier to hear and understand spoken words—even at lower volumes.

Want help improving clarity in your space? Contact us here.
Do acoustic panels block outside noise? ▶
Standard acoustic panels don’t block sound—they absorb it. Acoustic panels reduce echo and reverb inside a room but won’t stop external noise from entering or leaving.

If you’re looking for soundproofing, you’ll need materials designed to block sound transmission like mass loaded vinyl, or decoupled wall systems. We offer select products for this—Contact Us to learn more.

Learn the difference between soundproofing and sound absorption here.
Where should I place acoustic panels? ▶
The best placement depends on your room and goals. For general echo reduction, aim to cover 20–30% of your wall space. For recording studios, home theaters, or listening rooms, focus on:

• Front wall behind speakers
• Back wall behind the listening position
• Side wall reflection points
• Ceiling above your desk or seating area
• Diffusers at key reflection points for natural sound

Need help with placement? Contact us for a free custom recommendation.
Do these panels work for podcasting, streaming, or music production? ▶
Absolutely. We serve customers across all industries — from home offices to professional studios.
What fabric is best for wrapping acoustic panels? ▶
To get the best sound performance, use acoustically transparent fabric—material that lets sound pass through easily. A simple test: try breathing through the fabric. If air flows freely, it’s likely a good choice. Avoid dense materials like heavy denim or canvas, as they can block sound instead of letting it be absorbed.

Looking for a proven solution? Our professional-grade acoustical fabric is highly rated by customers and perfect for DIY acoustic panels.

Shop acoustic fabric here or contact us if you need help picking the right fabric for your project.
Can I order custom-sized acoustic panels? ▶
Yes! In addition to our standard panel sizes, we offer custom-sized acoustic panels for unique spaces, specialty builds, and large-scale projects. Just let us know your dimensions and design goals—we’re happy to create a solution that fits your space perfectly.

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Do you offer custom sizes or colors? ▶
Yes, we offer custom sizing and a variety of colors on select products. Just reach out and let us know what you need.

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Are your products easy to install? ▶
Yes! Our fabric-wrapped panels include mounting hardware. For acoustic foam, there are several easy mounting options, including double-sided adhesive squares, spray adhesive, or Command strips for installation without damaging your walls.

Check out our install videos here.
Do I need professional help to install acoustic panels? ▶
Most acoustic panels are easy to install with basic tools and a little DIY experience. We make it simple by providing tutorial videos. Check out our install videos here.

For more complex projects, we’re happy to guide you—or your contractor—through the process to ensure everything is done right.

Contact us here if you need help with installation planning.
How do you maintain acoustic panels? ▶
Acoustic panels are low-maintenance and built to last with proper care. Here are some general tips:

• Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth
• Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment
• Clean gently with compressed air
• Spot clean with minimal moisture and dry immediately

Always check your panel’s product specs for specific cleaning recommendations.

Have questions about cleaning or care? Contact us here.
How much do acoustical panels or soundproofing materials cost? ▶
The cost of acoustic panels and soundproofing panels depends on your space and goals. We offer everything from affordable DIY acoustic foam to high-end custom panels for professional studios and luxury interiors. For an accurate quote, let us know your room size, usage, and sound goals—we’re happy to help you find the right solution for your budget.

Fill out our free room analysis for personalized acoustic advice.
How fast is shipping and fulfillment? ▶
Most orders ship in 1-3 business days. Cut to order foam may take a little longer. If you need something in a hurry please Contact Us.
Can acoustic panels be customized for my space? ▶
Yes! We offer custom acoustic panels tailored to your exact dimensions, layout, and design goals. Whether you’re working with an odd-shaped wall, a unique room layout, or a specific aesthetic, we can create panels that fit perfectly.

Choose from a wide range of colors and fabrics to match your space without sacrificing performance.

Contact us here to tell us about your space and get a custom solution.