What is percent error

Percent Error Learning Objectives Define accepted value. Define experimental value. Define error and calculate the error given appropriate data. Define percent error and calculate the error given appropriate data.

How does an electrical circuit work? Summary Definitions of accepted value and experimental value are given. Calculations of error and percent error are demonstrated. Review Define accepted value. Define experimental value What happens as the accuracy of the measurement decreases? Show References References Vald Kliper. If the percent error is close to 0, then your approximation is very close to the actual or true value.

This formula is very important to determine the precision of your calculations. For most applications, the percent error is represented as a positive number, but for some sciences like chemistry, it is customary to express it as a negative number since a positive value in chemistry would point to a potential problem with the experiment or reactions which are not accounted for.

The following steps need to be taken in order to calculate percent error in any experiment or observation:. This division will give you a decimal number. Multiply this decimal value with to convert it into a percentage value. We have here a few diverse examples on calculating percent errors to delve into the concept and get more clarity:. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph. Chemistry Expert. Helmenstine holds a Ph. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.

Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter. Updated November 02, Key Points: Percent Error The purpose of a percent error calculation is to gauge how close a measured value is to a true value. Percent error percentage error is the difference between an experimental and theoretical value, divided by the theoretical value, multiplied by to give a percent. In some fields, percent error is always expressed as a positive number. In others, it is correct to have either a positive or negative value.

The sign may be kept to determine whether recorded values consistently fall above or below expected values. Percent error is one type of error calculation. Absolute and relative error are two other common calculations. Percent error is part of a comprehensive error analysis. The keys to reporting percent error correctly are to know whether or not to drop the sign positive or negative on the calculation and to report the value using the correct number of significant figures.

Featured Video. Cite this Article Format. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph. How to Calculate Percent Error. Using Percents - Calculating Commissions.

How to Calculate Experimental Error in Chemistry.