Calculate the percent error between an experimental (measured) value and a theoretical (accepted) value. Also shows absolute and relative error.
| Formula | Expression |
|---|---|
| Percent Error | |exp − the| / |the| × 100% |
| Absolute Error | |exp − the| |
| Relative Error | (exp − the) / |the| |
| Signed % | (exp − the) / |the| × 100% |
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Experimental (measured) | 9.4 |
| Theoretical (accepted) | 9.8 |
| Percent Error | 4.08163265% |
| Signed Percent Error | -4.08163265% |
| Absolute Error | 0.4 |
| Signed Absolute Error | -0.4 |
| Relative Error | -0.04081633 |
| % Error | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| < 1% | Excellent accuracy |
| 1% – 5% | Very good accuracy |
| 5% – 10% | Acceptable accuracy |
| 10% – 20% | Moderate error |
| > 20% | Large error — review method |