math Calculator
Percent Error Calculator
Calculate the percent error between an experimental value and a theoretical (accepted) value. Widely used in science and engineering.
-10000000000001000000000000
-10000000000001000000000000
Results
Percent Error
0.00%
Absolute Error
0
Relative Error
0
How to Use Percent Error Calculator
- 1
Enter the experimental (measured) value
- 2
Enter the theoretical (accepted) value
- 3
View percent error and absolute error
Percent Error Calculator Formula
Percent Error = |Experimental - Theoretical| / |Theoretical| × 100Example Calculation
Input Values
Experimental Value
9.8
Theoretical Value
9.81
Results
Percent Error
0.1%
Absolute Error
0.01
Relative Error
0.001
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good percent error?
In most experiments, less than 5% is acceptable. Less than 1% is excellent.
Can percent error be negative?
The formula uses absolute value, so percent error is always positive.
What is the difference between percent error and percent difference?
Percent error compares to a known value; percent difference compares two experimental values.