What is an acceptable percent error?

Acceptable error depends on the context. In most physics labs, under 5% is considered good. In chemistry titrations, under 2% is typical. In engineering, tolerances vary widely.

What causes percent error?

Sources of error include instrument calibration, human measurement error, environmental factors, reaction side products, and rounding. Systematic errors (consistent bias) and random errors (variable) are the two main types.

What is the difference between percent error and percent difference?

Percent error compares to a known true value. Percent difference compares two values where neither is known to be correct: |A-B| / ((A+B)/2) × 100.

Percent Error Calculator

The Percent Error Calculator measures the accuracy of an experimental or measured value compared to a known true or accepted value. It is widely used in science, engineering, and statistics to evaluate measurement precision. A smaller percent error indicates a more accurate result.

Experimental (Measured) Value

Theoretical (True) Value

How to Use This Calculator

1
Enter your experimental (measured) value.
2
Enter the theoretical (accepted true) value.
3
Click Calculate to see the percent error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Percent Error = |Experimental - Theoretical| / |Theoretical| × 100. It expresses the difference between a measured value and the true value as a percentage.

Related Calculators

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