How to use the Percent Error Calculator
Estimate percent error from observed, accepted with the Percent Error Calculator. Use it to check the arithmetic while keeping the displayed method and entered values with your work.
Step by step
- For the Percent Error example, enter observed, accepted. Keep each value in the unit displayed beside its field.
- Review the selected Percent Error workflow and inputs, then read percent error in the result panel.
- Change one Percent Error assumption at a time to compare scenarios. Use Reset to restore this tool's worked example values.
How the calculation works
Absolute error divided by accepted value.
Worked example
To reproduce the Percent Error worked example, reset the calculator. Use observed 98; accepted 100. The result is percent error of 2%. Absolute error divided by accepted value. Review the displayed units before comparing the result.
Understanding the result
The Percent Error reports percent error. Use it to check the arithmetic while keeping the displayed method and entered values with your work. The result depends on the entered values, selected mode, and displayed mathematical assumptions.
How to check the answer
Check the Percent Error answer by substituting percent error back into the stated relationship. Test a simple value such as zero, one, or an equal pair, then confirm that sign, scale, units, and rounding match Absolute error divided by accepted value.
Common questions
What does the Percent Error calculate?
Estimate percent error from observed, accepted with the Percent Error Calculator.
Which inputs does the Percent Error example use?
The worked example uses observed, accepted. Other workflows can show different fields. Keep the chosen workflow and units with the result when comparing calculations.
Is the Percent Error result exact?
The result depends on the entered values, selected mode, and displayed mathematical assumptions. Recheck observed, accepted and use percent error only for a decision where that level of precision is appropriate.