Percent Error Calculator

The Percent Error Calculator determines how accurate a measurement is by comparing an observed value to a true value. It calculates the absolute difference relative to the true value and expresses it as percent error. For example, measuring 8.5 when the true value is 10 yields a 15% error.

Use this percent error calculator when you need to evaluate measurement accuracy. Enter the observed and true values into the fields. The calculator shows the percent error and provides a step-by-step solution. It clarifies how the error arises relative to the true standard. You can find more information about this topic and using this tool below the calculator. See all my Statistical Calculators!

Observed = True =

Answer:

Solution:

Learn more in-depth about percent error in my post, Percent Error: Definition, Formula & Examples.

For example, you can use the percent error calculator to assess Eratosthenes estimate of the Earth’s circumference in the third century BCE. He was a Greek librarian in Egypt who used the Sun’s positions at two locations at the same time to estimate the Earth’s circumference as being 43,075km. Currently, the Earth’s circumference has a known value of 40,096km.

In the calculator enter the following values: