Errors in Measurement: Gross Errors,

Systematic Errors and Random Errors

Measurements are an integral part of living; we measure time, measure steps walked to know the
calories burnt, measure the materials added for cooking, and measure the size of clothes to know
whether it fits perfectly. Sometimes we fail to know the exact measurement, and the values vary,
leading to errors. In this article, let us learn about measurement, errors in measurement, types of
errors and how to avoid the errors.

Table of Contents:

 Measurement

 Types of Errors

 Errors Calculation

 How To Reduce Errors In Measurement

 Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Measurement
Measurement is the foundation for all experimental science. All the great technological
development could not have been possible without ever-increasing levels of accuracy of
measurements. The measurement of an amount is based on some international standards, which
are completely accurate compared with others. Just like your vegetable vendors, measurements
are taken by comparing an unknown amount with a known weight. Every measurement carries a
level of uncertainty which is known as an error. This error may arise in the process or due to a
mistake in the experiment. So 100% accurate measurement is not possible with any method.

An error may be defined as the difference between the measured and actual values. For example,
if the two operators use the same device or instrument for measurement. It is not necessary that
both operators get similar results. The difference between the measurements is referred to as an
ERROR.

To understand the concept of measurement errors, you should know the two terms that define the
error. They are true value and measured value. The true value is impossible to find by
experimental means. It may be defined as the average value of an infinite number of measured
values. The measured value is a single measure of the object to be as accurate as possible.

Types of Errors
There are three types of errors that are classified based on the source they arise from; They are:

 Gross Errors
 Random Errors
 Systematic Errors

Gross Errors
This category basically takes into account human oversight and other mistakes while reading,
recording, and readings. The most common human error in measurement falls under this
category of measurement errors. For example, the person taking the reading from the meter of
the instrument may read 23 as 28. Gross errors can be avoided by using two suitable measures,
and they are written below:

 Proper care should be taken in reading, recording the data. Also, the calculation of error should be
done accurately.
 By increasing the number of experimenters, we can reduce the gross errors. If each experimenter takes
different readings at different points, then by taking the average of more readings, we can reduce the
gross errors

Random Errors
The random errors are those errors, which occur irregularly and hence are random. These can
arise due to random and unpredictable fluctuations in experimental conditions (Example:
unpredictable fluctuations in temperature, voltage supply, mechanical vibrations of experimental
set-ups, etc, errors by the observer taking readings, etc. For example, when the same person
repeats the same observation, he may likely get different readings every time.

This article explored the various types of errors in the measurements we make. These errors are
everywhere in every measurement we make. To find more articles, visit BYJU’S. Join us and fall
in love with learning.

Systematic Errors:
Systematic errors can be better understood if we divide them into subgroups; They are:

 Environmental Errors
 Observational Errors
 Instrumental Errors

Environmental Errors: This type of error arises in the measurement due to the effect of the
external conditions on the measurement. The external condition includes temperature, pressure,
and humidity and can also include an external magnetic field. If you measure your temperature
under the armpits and during the measurement, if the electricity goes out and the room gets hot,
it will affect your body temperature, affecting the reading.

Observational Errors: These are the errors that arise due to an individual’s bias, lack of proper
setting of the apparatus, or an individual’s carelessness in taking observations. The measurement
errors also include wrong readings due to Parallax errors.

Instrumental Errors: These errors arise due to faulty construction and calibration of the
measuring instruments. Such errors arise due to the hysteresis of the equipment or due to friction.
Lots of the time, the equipment being used is faulty due to misuse or neglect, which changes the
reading of the equipment. The zero error is a very common type of error. This error is common
in devices like Vernier callipers and screw gauges. The zero error can be either positive or
negative. Sometimes the scale readings are worn off, which can also lead to a bad reading.

Instrumental error takes place due to :

 An inherent constraint of devices

 Misuse of Apparatus
 Effect of Loading

Errors Calculation
Different measures of errors include:

Absolute Error
The difference between the measured value of a quantity and its actual value gives the absolute
error. It is the variation between the actual values and measured values. It is given by

Absolute error = |VA-VE|

Percent Error
It is another way of expressing the error in measurement. This calculation allows us to gauge
how accurate a measured value is with respect to the true value. Per cent error is given by the
formula

Percentage error (%) = (VA-VE) / VE) x 100

Relative Error
The ratio of the absolute error to the accepted measurement gives the relative error. The relative
error is given by the formula:

Relative Error = Absolute error / Actual value

How To Reduce Errors In Measurement

Keeping an eye on the procedure and following the below listed points can help to reduce the
error.

 Make sure the formulas used for measurement are correct.

 Cross check the measured value of a quantity for improved accuracy.
 Use the instrument that has the highest precision.
 It is suggested to pilot test measuring instruments for better accuracy.
 Use multiple measures for the same construct.
 Note the measurements under controlled conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Q1
What is meant by measurement error?
The difference between a measured quantity and its true value gives measurement error.
Q2
What are the types of errors?
The following are the types of errors:

 Gross Errors
 Random Errors
 Systematic Errors
Q3
The error seen due to the effect of the external conditions on the
measurement is known as?
It is known as the environmental error.
Q4
Define absolute error?
Absolute error is the variation between the actual values and measured values. It is given by
Absolute error = |VA-VE|
Q5
A length was calculated to be 10.1 feet, but the absolute length was 10.5
feet. Calculate the absolute error.
We know that, Absolute error = |VA-VE|
Absolute error = 10.5-10.1 = 0.4 feet