Error

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Error (also mistuning[1]) is a measurement of the deviation of an interval from another interval that it is approximating. The retronym absolute error is sometimes used to contrast it with relative error. Error is usually signed, with a positive value indicating an overshoot of the target, and a negative value indicating an undershoot. The absolute value of error is called unsigned error.

For example, the tempered ~3/2 of quarter-comma meantone is 696.578 ¢, while a just 3/2 is 701.955 ¢, so the error of this ~3/2 is 696.578 ¢ − 701.955 ¢ = −5.377 ¢.

See also

References

  1. Erlich, Paul. "A Middle Path: Between Just Intonation and the Equal Temperaments, Part 1," Xenharmonikôn, An Informal Journal of Experimental Music 18 (2006): 159-199.