1. What is a Percent Error Calculator?

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

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of Percent Error Calculation

Details: Percent error helps assess the reliability of experimental results, compare measurement accuracy, 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 does a high percent error indicate?
A: High percent error suggests significant deviation from the expected value, possibly due to measurement errors, faulty equipment, or flawed methodology.

Q2: Can percent error be negative?
A: No, the absolute value ensures percent error is always positive (0-100% range).

Q3: What's considered an acceptable percent error?
A: This varies by field, but generally <5% is good, <1% is excellent in most scientific applications.

Q4: How is percent error different from percent difference?
A: Percent error compares to a known value, while percent difference compares two experimental values.

Q5: What if my theoretical value is zero?
A: The calculation is undefined (division by zero). Consider using absolute error instead.