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Is there a library function for Root mean square error (RMSE) in python?

python
dataframe
pandas
mean-squared-error
Nikita BarsukovbyNikita Barsukov·Feb 25, 2025
TLDR

Use numpy and the mean_squared_error function from sklearn.metrics to compute RMSE:

from sklearn.metrics import mean_squared_error from numpy import sqrt # Our very formal RMSE calculation ceremony starts here rmse = sqrt(mean_squared_error([3, -0.5, 2, 7], [2.5, 0.0, 2, 8])) print(rmse) # Prints: "Hello, I'm your RMSE!"

Here, the RMSE is computed for the actual ([3, -0.5, 2, 7]) and predicted ([2.5, 0.0, 2, 8]) values.

RMSE calculation: Deep dive

Achieving precision in RMSE calculation is central to appraising predictive model performance as it essentially reflects the average mismatch between forecasted and actual observations.

Scikit-learn: Your efficient RMSE partner

With sklearn version >= 0.22.0, get the RMSE directly by setting squared=False:

from sklearn.metrics import mean_squared_error # No need for the sqrt function here, sklearn >= 0.22.0 does it for you! rmse = mean_squared_error([3, -0.5, 2, 7], [2.5, 0.0, 2, 8], squared=False) print(rmse) # prints: "I'm your RMSE, without doing sqrt!"

But if you're battling with an older beast (version of sklearn), slay it using math.sqrt or numpy.sqrt:

from sklearn.metrics import mean_squared_error from math import sqrt mse = mean_squared_error([3, -0.5, 2, 7], [2.5, 0.0, 2, 8]) rmse = sqrt(mse) # Arm yourself with sqrt for the older sklearn versions! print(rmse)

Numerical stability: Your RMSE's best friend

When it comes to RMSE calculation, numerical precision is alpha and omega. If your errors span a large range, you need to be careful with floating-point arithmetic to avoid a precision tragedy. Trust sklearn; it's got your back!

Data quality: The unsung hero

Before you jumpstart your RMSE calculation, make sure your data is clean. Take care of those pesky nulls and notorious outliers since they can disfigure RMSE values. And if it's line fitting you want, turn your gaze to total least squares - it can handle errors in both variables.

Alternative RMSE calculations: Unveiling options

While our friends at sklearn offer a pretty handy mean_squared_error, there are times you might find yourself off the sklearn grid but not the end of the world! Let's unveil some other ways:

Enter NumPy's magic:

numpy.linalg.norm is adept at computing vector norms, thus an RMSE genius at heart!

import numpy as np # numpy.linalg.norm walks into a bar... errors = np.subtract([3, -0.5, 2, 7], [2.5, 0.0, 2, 8]) rmse = np.linalg.norm(errors) / np.sqrt(len(errors)) print(rmse)

Dare to face outliers?

When dealing with outliers, equip yourself with robust estimators like Huber Loss or Median Absolute Deviation. Trust me; outliers won't know what hit them!

Checking prediction length

Hey, don't forget to match the length of actual values with predicted ones. Not doing so could lead to a That's not how any of this works RMSE verdict!