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Absolute Error

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Absolute Error: Absolute uncertainty. Compare with relative error. The uncertainty in a measurement, expressed with appropriate units. For example, if three replicate weights for an object are 1.00 g, 1.05 g, and 0.95 g, the absolute error can be expressed as ± 0.05 g. Absolute error is also used to express inaccuracies; for example, if the 'true value' is 1.11 g and the measured value is 1.00 g, the absolute error could be written as 1.00 g - 1.11 g = -0.11 g. Note that when absolute errors are associated with indeterminate errors, they are preceded with '±'; when they are associated with determinate errors, they are preceded by their sign.

Related Words

Relative Error: The uncertainty in a measurement compared to the size of the measurement. For example, if three replicate weights for an object are 2.00 g, 2.05 g, and 1.95 g, the absolute error can be expr . . . View Full Definition

Error Of Projection: An error in rating, which occurs when raters are inclined to allow their own personal characteristics or values to affect the ratings they assign.

Error Of Principle: A double-entry term which means that one or both sides of a double-entry has been posted to the wrong account (which is also a different class of account). Example: Petrol expense posted to . . . View Full Definition

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