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Percent error calculator

Compare a measured value with a reference. Calculate signed difference, absolute error, relative error and percentage error.

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Set your data

Set your data

Values from −1 trillion to 1 trillion; reference must be nonzero. Use the same unit.

Result

Enter your values to see the result.

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How to use it

Calculate the distance from the reference, then divide by the reference’s absolute value. Multiply by one hundred only for a percentage. Do not silently switch to the measured value as the denominator: that answers a different question.

Example inputs
InputResult
98; 1002%

Method and limits

Measurements must use the same unit. Deviation from a reference does not by itself quantify uncertainty.

Example

Usage scenario

Input
98; 100
Result
2 %

Calculation steps

  1. Calculate the absolute distance

    abs ( 98 − 100 ) = 2

  2. Divide by the absolute reference value

    2 100 = 0.02

  3. Convert the ratio to a percentage

    0.02 × 100 = 2

With a measurement of 98 and a reference of 100, the signed difference is −2 and absolute error is 2. The ratio is 0.02, giving 2% error. Absolute reference magnitude keeps the denominator positive even for negative references.

What are the limits of this tool?

Values from −1 trillion to 1 trillion; reference must be nonzero. Use the same unit.

Inputs and results are processed in your browser and are not sent to the server. Aggregate statistics, when enabled, record only the tool and outcome, without the content.

Sources

PRACTICAL GUIDES

Absolute vs relative error: calculating percent error

Choose a reference and keep measurement units consistent. Distinguish a percentage deviation from measurement uncertainty.

Follow the steps

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