Worked formula example

Percent Error Lab Report Examples

The measured value is 2% below the accepted value by percent error. The example keeps the problem, given values, formula, substitution, and copyable result sentence together so the calculator page can be opened only when values or units change.

Worked examples

StepValue
ProblemFind percent error for a measured value against an accepted value.
Given valuesMeasured = 9.8, expected = 10.0
FormulaPercent error = |measured - expected| / |expected| x 100
Calculation|9.8 - 10.0| / 10.0 x 100 = 2%
Copyable result sentenceThe measured value is 2% below the accepted value by percent error.
StepValue
ProblemFind percent error when the measured value is above the accepted value.
Given valuesMeasured = 10.4, expected = 10.0
FormulaPercent error = |measured - expected| / |expected| x 100
Calculation|10.4 - 10.0| / 10.0 x 100 = 4%
Copyable result sentenceThe measured value is 4% above the accepted value by percent error.
StepValue
ProblemChoose a different report line when the accepted value is zero.
Given valuesMeasured = 0.2, expected = 0
FormulaPercent error divides by |expected|
CalculationDivision by zero is undefined, so percent error is not valid.
Copyable result sentenceWhen the expected value is zero, report absolute error instead of percent error.

Copyable result sentence

The measured value is 2% below the accepted value by percent error.

Common mistakes

  • Dropping units before the percent error lab report examples substitution.
  • Rounding the percent error lab report examples calculation before the final step.
  • Using a formula variant that does not match the known values for percent error lab report examples.