Percent Error Table: Percent error by Measured / experimental value
Reference table of percent error for Percent Error across a range of measured / experimental value values — exact, engine-computed figures you can read off at a glance.
Percent Error Calculator
Verified formula Updated Jun 2026 Private — runs on your device
Verified formula
Private
Percent error
2.000%
- Absolute error
- 2.0000
For general information only — not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Verify before you rely on it.
How to use the Percent Error Calculator
The Percent Error Calculator works out your percent error, along with 1 related figure in an instant. Enter measured / experimental value and true / theoretical value and the result updates as you type — it is free, needs no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser so your figures stay private.
- Enter the measured / experimental value.
- Enter the true / theoretical value.
- Read off your percent error, together with absolute error — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.
Worked example
For example, with measured / experimental value of 98 and true / theoretical value of 100, the percent error is 2.000%.
| Measured / experimental value | 98 |
|---|---|
| True / theoretical value | 100 |
| Percent error | 2.000% |
|---|---|
| Absolute error | 2.0000 |
Results are estimates for educational use, not professional advice.
Frequently asked questions
Take the absolute difference between the measured and true values, divide by the absolute true value and multiply by 100. Measuring 98 when the true value is 100 is a 2% error.
Percent error measures the size of the error, not its direction, so the result is reported as a positive percentage.
It depends on the experiment. In many school labs, under 5% is considered good. Precise scientific work demands far smaller errors.
Percent error compares a measurement to a known true value. Percent difference compares two values when neither is the accepted reference.
Enter the measured / experimental value. Enter the true / theoretical value. Read off your percent error, together with absolute error — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.
Related guides
How to Calculate Percent Error: Formula, Steps & Examples
Learn how to calculate Percent Error — the formula explained step by step, with worked examples and a free calculator to check your answer.