9.25925925926% error
Percent Error Calculator
Use this free percent error calculator to compare an experimental or measured value with an accepted value and see percent error, signed percent error, absolute error, relative error, and step-by-step work.
Accepted vs measured Absolute percent error Signed direction Step-by-step work
2.45 g/cm3 measured vs 2.7 g/cm3 accepted9.2592592593%
Measured value is lower than accepted value.
- Absolute error
- 0.25 g/cm3
- Signed percent error
- -9.2592592593%
- Relative error
- 0.0925925926
Steps
- Find the error: 2.45 - 2.7 = -0.25 g/cm3.
- Use the absolute error: |-0.25| = 0.25 g/cm3.
- Divide by the accepted value size: 0.25 / 2.7 = 0.0925925926.
- Multiply by 100 to get 9.2592592593%.
How to use the percent error calculator
- Enter the measured or experimental value from your result.
- Enter the accepted, true, or theoretical value you are comparing against.
- Add a unit label if it helps your answer read clearly.
- Press Calculate percent error to see absolute percent error, signed percent error, and steps.
Common uses
Check lab results against an accepted, true, or theoretical value.
See whether a measured value is higher or lower than the accepted value.
Show percent error steps for chemistry, physics, math, and science homework.
Copy the answer with absolute error and signed percent error for notes or reports.
Examples
4% error
5% error, signed +5%
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about formulas, accepted values, signed error, zero values, units, and privacy.
What formula does the Percent Error Calculator use?
It uses absolute percent error: absolute value of measured minus accepted, divided by the absolute value of the accepted value, multiplied by 100.
What is the accepted value?
The accepted value is the true, theoretical, reference, or expected value you are comparing against. In many science classes, this is the value from a table, textbook, or teacher-provided reference.
What is the measured value?
The measured value is the experimental result, observed result, or value you collected. The calculator compares this value with the accepted value.
Can percent error be negative?
Standard percent error is usually shown as a positive value because it uses absolute error. This calculator also shows signed percent error so you can see whether the measured value was high or low.
Why can the accepted value not be zero?
Percent error divides by the accepted value. If the accepted value is zero, the percentage comparison is undefined, so the calculator will ask for a nonzero accepted value.
Do the units matter?
Yes. The measured value and accepted value should use the same unit before you calculate percent error. The unit label is optional and only helps make the answer easier to read.
Is my percent error history private?
Yes. Recent percent error calculations stay only in the current browser tab while you use the page. They are not sent to a server.
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