Significant Figures Rules:
From: | To: |
Definition: This calculator performs basic arithmetic operations while maintaining proper significant figures in the result.
Purpose: It helps students, scientists, and engineers ensure their calculations maintain appropriate precision according to standard sig fig rules.
The calculator follows standard significant figure rules:
Details: Significant figures represent the precision of a measurement. Proper sig fig usage ensures calculations don't imply greater precision than the original measurements warrant.
Tips: Enter your two numbers (can include decimals or scientific notation), select the operation, and click Calculate. The result will automatically have the correct number of significant figures.
Q1: How are significant figures counted?
A: All non-zero digits are significant. Zeros between non-zero digits are significant. Leading zeros are not significant. Trailing zeros after a decimal point are significant.
Q2: What about exact numbers?
A: Exact numbers (like conversion factors) have infinite significant figures and don't limit the result's precision.
Q3: How does scientific notation affect sig figs?
A: Scientific notation makes it easier to identify significant figures - all digits in the coefficient are significant.
Q4: What if my numbers have different units?
A: This calculator assumes unitless numbers. For unit conversions, convert to common units first.
Q5: How are rounding errors handled?
A: The calculator uses standard rounding rules (round up if next digit is 5 or greater).