Significant Figures Calculator
Round numbers to significant figures. Count sig figs and perform calculations.
Try:
How to Use
- Enter the number you want to analyze
- Optionally, enter the number of significant figures to round to
- Click "Analyze" to see the results
- View the digit breakdown and applied rules
What is Significant Figures Calculator?
Significant figures (sig figs) are the digits in a number that carry meaningful information about its precision. They are crucial in scientific measurements and calculations to express the accuracy of a measured quantity.
Formula
Rules for Significant Figures:
1. All non-zero digits are significant
2. Zeros between non-zero digits are significant
3. Leading zeros are NOT significant
4. Trailing zeros after a decimal point ARE significant
Examples
- 0.00340 has 3 sig figs (3, 4, 0)
- 5200 has 2 sig figs (ambiguous trailing zeros)
- 3.14159 has 6 sig figs (all digits)
- 1.00 has 3 sig figs (trailing zeros after decimal)
FAQ
Why are significant figures important?
Significant figures indicate the precision of a measurement. When performing calculations, the result should not be more precise than the least precise measurement used, which is determined by significant figures.
How do I round to significant figures?
Identify the significant digit at the position you're rounding to, look at the next digit: if it's 5 or greater, round up; if it's less than 5, round down. Then remove all digits after the rounding position.
Are trailing zeros without a decimal point significant?
This is ambiguous. For example, 5200 could have 2, 3, or 4 significant figures. To clarify, use scientific notation (5.2×10³ for 2 sig figs) or add a decimal point (5200. for 4 sig figs).