Percent error calculator
Enter your measurement and the reference value (the true or accepted value). We give the error in percent, with and without its sign.
Result
4%Percent error (no sign)
- Signed percent error
- -4%
- Difference (measured − reference)
- -0.4
- The measurement is below the reference.
Inputs
- Measured value
- 9.6
- Reference value
- 10
How it is calculated
Difference = measured − reference.
Result
Percent error (no sign)
- Signed percent error
- -4%
- Difference (measured − reference)
- -0.4
How it is calculated
- Difference = measured − reference.
- Signed error = difference ÷ |reference| × 100.
- Percent error = the absolute value of the signed error.
Example
Measured 9.6 and reference 10: difference −0.4, signed error −4%, percent error 4%.
Good to know
- A reference of 0 is refused: you cannot divide by 0.
- If the reference is negative, we divide by its absolute value so the sign keeps its meaning.
Frequently asked questions
What is this tool used for?
Enter your measurement and the reference value (the true or accepted value). We give the error in percent, with and without its sign.
How is the result calculated?
Difference = measured − reference.
What should I check before using the result?
A reference of 0 is refused: you cannot divide by 0.