1. What Are Significant Figures?

Significant figures (sig figs) are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision. This includes all digits except:

• Leading zeros (0.0025 has 2 sig figs)
• Trailing zeros when no decimal point is present (2500 has 2 sig figs)

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator analyzes your input number and applies the standard rules of significant figures to determine how many digits are significant.

3. Rules for Significant Figures

Basic Rules:

• All non-zero digits are significant
• Zeros between non-zero digits are significant
• Leading zeros are not significant
• Trailing zeros in a number containing a decimal point are significant
• Trailing zeros in a number without a decimal point may or may not be significant

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter any number (with or without decimal point). The calculator will automatically determine how many significant figures it contains based on standard rules.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are trailing zeros always significant?
A: No, trailing zeros are only significant if there's a decimal point in the number (e.g., 2500 has 2 sig figs, but 2500.0 has 5 sig figs).

Q2: How does scientific notation affect significant figures?
A: In scientific notation, all digits in the coefficient are significant (e.g., 2.50 × 10³ has 3 sig figs).

Q3: Are zeros after a decimal point significant?
A: Yes, zeros after a decimal point are significant (e.g., 3.000 has 4 sig figs).

Q4: How do exact numbers affect sig fig calculations?
A: Exact numbers (like conversion factors or counted items) have infinite significant figures and don't limit calculations.

Q5: Why are significant figures important?
A: They indicate the precision of measurements and help maintain appropriate precision in calculations.