How to Calculate Circular Error of Probability

Shooting practice often uses a target
••• Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images

The circular error of probability refers to the average distance between a target and the terminal end of an object's path of travel. This is a common calculation problem in the shooting sports, where a projectile is launched towards a particular destination. In most cases, the shot will not hit the target when fired multiple times. This anticipated room for error considers the distance of each missed shot from the intended target. Simple calculations can determine the average error for all of the shots. The root mean square is primarily used for this process.

    Shoot ammunition from the shooting device towards a target. The more shots you fire, the more accurate the calculation will be.

    Measure the distance that each shot is off target with a ruler. Record these numbers with a pencil and paper.

    Square each number in the list individually. Multiply each number by itself.

    Find the average of all the squared numbers by adding all the numbers together and dividing them by how many numbers are listed.

    Find the square route of the average of all the numbers to determine the circular error of probability.

    Things You'll Need

    • Ammunition
    • Shooting device
    • Target
    • Ruler
    • Pencil
    • Paper
    • Calculator (optional)

Related Articles

How to Calculate a 3D Perimeter
What Is the Difference Between Yards & Feet?
How to Calculate Standard Error of The Mean
How to Calculate Skew
How to Calculate Mean Deviation
How to Determine Square Feet Area
How to Calculate Statistical Mean
How to Estimate a Population Mean
How to Calculate a Circular Area
How to Calculate a T-Statistic
How to Calculate CV Values
How to Compute a Population Mean
How to Calculate Tangential Speed
How to Calculate Muzzle Velocity
How to Calculate a Temperature Range
How to Calculate Per Capita
How to Calculate Coining Tonnage
Definition of Mean, Median & Mode
How to Calculate a Semivariogram
How to Calculate the Diameter of a Circle From a Linear...

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!