Propagation of Error

Introduction

The error, f, in a final result, F, derives from the error in each measurement or number (x, y,...) used to get that result. The error in a result, F±f, for F = f(x,y,...) is found from:

f = (dF/dx) e_x + (dF/dy) e_y + ...

where dF/dx is the partial derivative of F with respect to x, and e_x is the uncertainty in x.

Related topics:

• random and systematic error