Percent Error Calculator: Measured vs. Accepted Value

Calculate absolute percent error from measured and accepted values, including negative measurements. Includes a lab-report example and zero-reference checks. Results are planning estimates; your school or instructor sets the applicable policies.

Your Numbers

Measured value

Accepted value

Results

Absolute percent error (%)—

Input check—

Results update live as you type. Estimates only — not financial, tax, or investment advice.

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The Formula

Percent error = |measured − accepted| ÷ |accepted| × 100

Understanding the Percent Error Calculator: Measured vs. Accepted Value

A measured value of 9.5 against an accepted 10 gives 5% error.

The accepted value cannot be zero. Use consistent units.

Worked example: measured 9.5 versus accepted 10 gives |9.5 − 10| ÷ |10| × 100 = 5%. Measured −9.5 versus accepted −10 also gives 5%.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the result calculated?

Percent error = |measured − accepted| ÷ |accepted| × 100

What assumptions should I check?

The accepted value cannot be zero. Use consistent units.

How is percent error different from percent difference?

Percent error uses an accepted reference in the denominator. Percent difference compares two values without assuming one is accepted. This calculator reports absolute error; it does not preserve the sign of measurement bias.