How to calculate percentage error

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how to calculate percentage error

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How to calculate percentage error

To calculate the percentage error, you need to compare the measured or estimated value with the accepted or theoretical value. The formula to calculate the percentage error is:

Percentage Error = ((|Measured Value - Accepted Value|) / |Accepted Value|) * 100

Here’s a step-by-step example to illustrate how to calculate percentage error:

  1. Determine the measured value: Obtain the value that was actually measured or estimated. For example, let’s say you measured the length of an object and found it to be 20 cm.

  2. Find the accepted value: Identify the accepted or theoretical value for the quantity you are measuring. In this case, suppose the accepted length of the object is 18 cm.

  3. Calculate the absolute error: Subtract the accepted value from the measured value and take the absolute value (ignoring any negative sign). In our example, the absolute error would be |20 cm - 18 cm| = 2 cm.

  4. Calculate the percentage error: Divide the absolute error by the accepted value, multiply by 100, and express the result as a percentage. Using our example, the percentage error would be ((2 cm / 18 cm) * 100) = 11.11%.

It’s important to note that the percentage error indicates the relative difference between the measured value and the accepted value. It is often used to evaluate the accuracy of experimental measurements or the precision of instruments.

Remember to consider significant figures when reporting the result of your percentage error calculation.