Percent error calculator
Percentage error
Percentage error serves as a quantitative measure of the disparity between an observed value and a known or expected value. It plays a crucial role in comparing measured and known values, as well as evaluating the validity of measurements.
When gathering data, such as determining the density of a substance or the standard acceleration due to gravity, the measured value often deviates from the true value. This discrepancy can stem from various factors, including human error, estimation, and limitations of measurement devices. By using the percentage error calculator, you can gauge the extent to which the measured value diverges from the true value.
A small error indicates a close proximity between the observed and true values, while a large error suggests a substantial deviation. Generally, a smaller error value is desirable, while a larger one may indicate an error or the need for reassessment of the experimental or measurement technique. For instance, if the measured value deviates from the expected value by 90%, it signifies an error or an inaccurate measurement method.
By using our percentage calculator, you can quantitatively analyze the accuracy and reliability of measurements, enabling you to get a thorough understanding of the topic.
Computing percentage error
Computing percentage error involves comparing an observed value with a true or expected value and expressing the difference as a percentage. The percent error formula is:
Percentage Error = (|Observed Value - True Value| / True Value) x 100%
Let's consider an example to illustrate this calculation. Suppose you measure the length of an object using a ruler and obtain a value of 25 cm. However, the true length of the object, obtained from a more accurate measurement or a reference source, is 28 cm. To find the percentage error, we use the formula:
Percentage Error = (|25 - 28| / 28) x 100% = 3/28 x 100% ≈ 10.7%
In this case, the percentage error is approximately 10.7%, indicating that the measured value differs from the true value by approximately 10.7%.
Now that you know how to calculate percent error, you can get straight to practice or consider using our calculator in case you want to save yourself time without jeopardizing your grade.
Negative percentage error
A negative percentage error occurs when the observed value is lower than the true or expected value. It represents an underestimation or a negative deviation from the expected result. Such an error can occur in various situations.
For example, let's consider a scenario where the true value of a chemical substance's concentration is 10 mol/L, but the measured value is 9 mol/L. Using the percent error formula:
Percentage Error = (|9 - 10| / 10) x 100% = 1/10 x 100% = -10%
In this case, the negative sign indicates that the measured value is 10% lower than the true value. Such errors can also occur in measurements such as temperature, time, or distance. Use our error percentage calculator to get a better understanding and ease your academic life.