1. What is a Percentage Error Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the percentage difference between an experimental (measured) value and a theoretical (expected) value.

Purpose: It helps scientists, engineers, and students quantify the accuracy of measurements compared to known values.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Experimental — The measured or observed value
• Theoretical — The accepted, expected, or true value

Explanation: The absolute difference between values is divided by the theoretical value, then multiplied by 100 to get a percentage.

3. Importance of Percentage Error Calculation

Details: Percentage error helps assess measurement accuracy, compare experimental results, and identify potential errors in methodology.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both experimental and theoretical values. The theoretical value cannot be zero (division by zero is undefined).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's considered a good percentage error?
A: This depends on the field. In some sciences <5% is good, while engineering might require <1%.

Q2: Can percentage error be negative?
A: No, the absolute value ensures it's always positive (only magnitude matters).

Q3: How is this different from percentage difference?
A: Percentage error compares to a known value, while percentage difference compares two experimental values.

Q4: What if my theoretical value is zero?
A: Percentage error is undefined when the theoretical value is zero (division by zero).

Q5: Should I use significant figures in the result?
A: Yes, round your result to match the precision of your input values.