Percentage Error Worksheet
Free to print and use in your classroom. No sign-up required.
Percentage Error Worksheet
Formula
Percentage Error = (|Approximate − Exact| ÷ Exact) × 100
The vertical bars mean ‘absolute value’ — always use the positive difference between the two values.
Calculate the percentage error using: Percentage Error = (|Approximate - Exact| / Exact) x 100. Give answers to 2 decimal places where necessary.
Q1. A student estimates a length as 80 cm. The actual length is 85 cm. Calculate the percentage error.
Q2. A pupil predicts 120 cars will pass in an hour. Actually 100 pass. Calculate the percentage error.
Q3. A student estimates the mass of an object as 45 g. The actual mass is 50 g. Find the percentage error.
Q4. A measurement of 9.5 cm is taken. The true value is 10 cm. Find the percentage error.
Q5. A weather forecast predicts 250 mm of rain but only 200 mm falls. Find the percentage error.
Q6. A pupil predicts 75 people will attend an event. Actually 80 people attend. Find the percentage error.
Q7. A scientist estimates the volume as 36 ml. The exact volume is 40 ml. Find the percentage error.
Q8. A pupil measures a line as 11.4 cm. The actual length is 12 cm. Find the percentage error.
Q9. A student estimates the cost of a holiday as £180. It actually costs £200. Find the percentage error.
Q10. A thermometer reads 47 degrees C. The actual temperature is 50 degrees C. Find the percentage error.
Q11. A budget estimate is £350. The actual cost is £400. Find the percentage error.
Q12. A student weighs a rock as 2.4 kg. The true mass is 2.5 kg. Find the percentage error.
Q13. An estimate of 63 ml is made for a liquid. The exact amount is 70 ml. Find the percentage error.
Q14. A student predicts a score of 95. The actual score is 100. Find the percentage error.
Q15. A student measures a shadow as 28 cm. The true length is 32 cm. Find the percentage error.
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