1. What Is Percent Error?

Percent error is a measure of how inaccurate a measurement is, standardized to how large the measurement is. It is the absolute value of the difference between experimental and theoretical values divided by the theoretical value, multiplied by 100.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the percent error formula:

Where:

• \( Exp \) — Experimental value (measured value)
• \( Theo \) — Theoretical value (expected or accepted value)

Explanation: The formula calculates the relative error as a percentage, providing a standardized way to compare the accuracy of measurements across different scales.

3. Importance Of Percent Error Calculation

Details: Percent error is crucial in scientific experiments and quality control processes to quantify the accuracy of measurements and assess the reliability of experimental results.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter both experimental and theoretical values. The theoretical value cannot be zero. All values must be valid numerical values.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a high percent error indicate?
A: A high percent error indicates significant discrepancy between experimental and theoretical values, suggesting potential measurement errors or flawed experimental design.

Q2: Can percent error be negative?
A: No, percent error is always positive or zero because it uses the absolute value of the difference between values.

Q3: What is considered an acceptable percent error?
A: Acceptable percent error varies by field and application. In many scientific contexts, errors below 5% are generally acceptable, but this depends on the specific requirements.

Q4: How is percent error different from percent difference?
A: Percent error compares a measured value to a known theoretical value, while percent difference compares two experimental values without assuming which is correct.

Q5: What should I do if I get a percent error of zero?
A: A zero percent error means your experimental value exactly matches the theoretical value, indicating perfect accuracy in your measurement.