What this tool is for
Percent Error Calculator is built for math checking inside math calculators when you need to compares an observed value with an accepted value. It focuses on percent error instead of making you adapt a broad calculator to a narrow task.
When to use it
Use it when observed and actual are already known and you want a fast estimate before comparing options, checking a worksheet, or copying the result into another workflow.
Inputs
- Observed is one of the direct inputs used to calculate percent error.
- Actual is one of the direct inputs used to calculate percent error.
Formula
percent error = |observed - actual| / actual x 100
Example
98 compared with 100 gives 2% error.
What the result means
The result labeled "Percent Error" is the direct output of percent error = |observed - actual| / actual x 100. In the worked example, 98 compared with 100 gives 2% error.
Before you rely on the result
Check the inputs and formula before using the result in homework, engineering, finance, or scientific work.