Percent Error Calculator
Calculate absolute error, relative error, and percent error from measured and accepted values.
Percent Error Calculator
Answer
2%
- Absolute error = |9.8 - 10| = 0.2
- Relative error = 0.2 / |10| = 0.02
- Percent error = 0.02 * 100 = 2%
How to use the percent error calculator
Use this calculator for science labs and math checks when you need to compare a measured value with an accepted or true value.
- Enter the measured value.
- Enter the accepted or true value.
- Compare absolute error, relative error, and percent error.
Formula or method
Percent error = |measured - accepted| / |accepted| * 100%.
Worked examples
Lab measurement
Problem: Measured 9.8, accepted 10
Solution: |9.8 - 10| / 10 * 100 = 2%.
Larger estimate
Problem: Measured 52, accepted 50
Solution: |52 - 50| / 50 * 100 = 4%.