Home
Back
Significant Figures Rounding:
Rounds numbers to 2 or 3 significant figures based on user selection.
| From: | To: |
Significant figures represent the meaningful digits in a number that contribute to its precision. Rounding to significant figures helps maintain appropriate precision in calculations and measurements.
The calculator rounds numbers to either 2 or 3 significant figures based on the following rules:
1. Non-zero digits are always significant
2. Zeros between non-zero digits are significant
3. Leading zeros are not significant
4. Trailing zeros are significant if they appear after the decimal point
Examples:
Details: Proper use of significant figures ensures that calculated results don't imply more precision than the original measurements warrant. This is crucial in scientific calculations, engineering, and data analysis.
Tips: Enter any number (positive, negative, or decimal) and select whether to round to 2 or 3 significant figures. The calculator will display the properly rounded result.
Q1: What's the difference between decimal places and significant figures?
A: Decimal places count digits after the decimal point, while significant figures count all meaningful digits regardless of decimal position.
Q2: How do you handle zeros in significant figures?
A: Leading zeros aren't significant, zeros between digits are significant, and trailing zeros after a decimal are significant.
Q3: What about rounding exact numbers?
A: Exact numbers (like counted items) have infinite significant figures and typically shouldn't be rounded in calculations.
Q4: How does scientific notation relate to significant figures?
A: Scientific notation makes significant figures clearer by explicitly showing which digits are meaningful.
Q5: When should I use 2 vs 3 significant figures?
A: Use 2 sig figs for approximate measurements and 3 sig figs for more precise measurements. Follow the precision of your least precise measurement.