A rounding error is a mathematical mistake that occurs when numbers are rounded to a certain degree. The result may not always be exact, but close enough to provide a reliable estimate. There are several synonyms for rounding errors, such as approximation error, quantization error, and truncation error. Approximation error occurs when the estimated value is not exactly the same as the actual value. Quantization error happens when a continuous analog signal is digitized into a discrete signal. Truncation error is the error that is caused when a calculation is ended before the true answer is reached. These synonyms all refer to errors that may occur when numbers are rounded or estimated in mathematical calculations.