Experimental Percent Error Calculator
Percent Error quantifies measurement accuracy by expressing the deviation between an experimental value E and an accepted theoretical value T as a percentage of the true value: PE = ((E - T) / T) × 100.
Relative error in percent (+ overestimate, - underestimate)
Observed lab or sensor reading
Accepted reference standard value
Step-by-Step Calculation
Percent Error quantifies measurement accuracy by expressing the deviation between an experimental value E and an accepted theoretical value T as a percentage of the true value: PE = ((E - T) / T) × 100.
Real-World Reference Values
Volumetric flask metrological tolerance
E96 precision electronics series
In the same physical units as E and T
20-Row Comparison Table
Percent Error (PE (%)) · Experimental Measured Value (E)
| # | Experimental Measured Value (E) | Percent Error (PE (%)) | Δ % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 10.0518 Current | 2.4998 | 0.00% |
| 02 | 7,237.37 | 73,700.66 | +2948121.68% |
| 03 | 14,474.74 | 147,501.30 | +5900343.21% |
| 04 | 21,712.11 | 221,301.95 | +8852564.74% |
| 05 | 28,949.49 | 295,102.60 | +11804786.27% |
| 06 | 36,186.86 | 368,903.24 | +14757007.81% |
| 07 | 43,424.23 | 442,703.89 | +17709229.34% |
| 08 | 50,661.60 | 516,504.53 | +20661450.87% |
| 09 | 57,898.97 | 590,305.18 | +23613672.40% |
| 10 | 65,136.34 | 664,105.83 | +26565893.94% |
| 11 | 72,373.71 | 737,906.47 | +29518115.47% |
| 12 | 79,611.08 | 811,707.12 | +32470337.00% |
| 13 | 86,848.45 | 885,507.77 | +35422558.54% |
| 14 | 94,085.83 | 959,308.41 | +38374780.07% |
| 15 | 101,323.20 | 1,033,109.06 | +41327001.60% |
| 16 | 108,560.57 | 1,106,909.71 | +44279223.13% |
| 17 | 115,797.94 | 1,180,710.35 | +47231444.67% |
| 18 | 123,035.31 | 1,254,511.00 | +50183666.20% |
| 19 | 130,272.68 | 1,328,311.64 | +53135887.73% |
| 20 | 137,510.05 | 1,402,112.29 | +56088109.26% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Percent Error and Percent Difference?+
Percent Error divides by a known True Reference T ((E - T)/T), whereas Percent Difference compares two measurements of equal standing by dividing by their average.
How do I find the upper calibration boundary for a +2.5% sensor tolerance?+
Click SOLVE FOR on E (Experimental Value), enter the reference value T, and set PE (%) = 2.5.
Should Percent Error be reported as positive or signed?+
Keeping the sign (+ or -) indicates whether the instrument systematically over-reads (+) or under-reads (-); take the absolute value |PE| for magnitude-only reporting.