Percent Error Calculator

Percent Error Calculator

A percent error calculator is a useful tool for comparing the accuracy of a measured or estimated value to the actual or accepted value. It helps in assessing the degree of error present in an experiment, calculation, or estimation. The percent error formula is given by:

Percent Error=∣Observed Value−Actual ValueActual Value∣×100Percent Error=∣∣​Actual ValueObserved Value−Actual Value​∣∣​×100

Using this formula, you can determine the percentage difference between the observed value and the actual value. Let’s delve into how to utilize this calculator effectively.

Using the Percent Error Calculator

1. Input Observed Value: Enter the value obtained from the experiment or calculation into the “Observed Value” field.
2. Input Actual Value: Enter the true or accepted value into the “Actual Value” field.
3. Calculate Percent Error: Click the “Calculate” button to obtain the percent error.
4. Interpret Results: The result displayed will represent the percent error between the observed and actual values.

Example Calculation

Suppose you are conducting an experiment to measure the density of a substance. After performing the experiment, you obtain an observed density of 3.25 g/cm33.25g/cm3, while the accepted or true density is 3.50 g/cm33.50g/cm3. To determine the percent error:

• Observed Value: 3.25 g/cm33.25g/cm3
• Actual Value: 3.50 g/cm33.50g/cm3

Using the percent error formula

Percent Error=∣3.25−3.503.50∣×100Percent Error=∣∣​3.503.25−3.50​∣∣​×100

Percent Error=∣−0.253.50∣×100Percent Error=∣∣​3.50−0.25​∣∣​×100

Percent Error=∣−0.0714∣×100Percent Error=∣−0.0714∣×100

Percent Error=7.14%Percent Error=7.14%

The percent error in this case is 7.14%7.14%, indicating that the observed density deviates from the actual density by approximately 7.14%7.14%.

Conclusion

A percent error calculator simplifies the process of determining the accuracy of experimental results or calculations. By comparing observed values to their actual counterparts, researchers and scientists can assess the reliability of their data and identify areas for improvement. Whether in scientific research, engineering projects, or academic studies, understanding and calculating percent error is fundamental to ensuring precision and validity in various fields of study.