Significant Figures Calculator

Significant Figures Rules:

Multiplication/Division: Result has same sig figs as the least precise operand
Addition/Subtraction: Result has same decimal places as the least precise operand

First Number:

Second Number:

Operation:

Calculation:

Result (with correct sig figs):

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1. What is a Significant Figures Calculator?

Definition: This calculator performs arithmetic operations while properly applying the rules for significant figures.

Purpose: It helps students, scientists, and engineers maintain proper precision in their calculations according to standard sig fig rules.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator applies these rules:

Multiplication/Division: The result has the same number of significant figures as the measurement with the fewest significant figures.
Addition/Subtraction: The result has the same number of decimal places as the measurement with the fewest decimal places.

3. Importance of Significant Figures

Details: Significant figures indicate the precision of a measurement. Proper use ensures calculations don't imply greater precision than the original measurements warrant.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter two numbers and select an operation. The calculator will automatically apply the appropriate significant figures rules.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What counts as a significant figure?
A: All non-zero digits are significant. Zeros between non-zero digits are significant. Leading zeros are not significant. Trailing zeros are significant if there's a decimal point.

Q2: Why do the rules differ for multiplication vs addition?
A: Multiplication affects relative precision (sig figs), while addition affects absolute precision (decimal places).

Q3: How does the calculator handle exact numbers?
A: This calculator treats all inputs as measured values. Exact numbers (like conversion factors) should be entered with more sig figs than your measurements.

Q4: What about logarithms or other functions?
A: This calculator handles basic arithmetic only. Other functions have their own sig fig rules.

Q5: How are rounding errors handled?
A: The calculator uses proper rounding rules (round up if next digit is 5 or greater) when applying sig fig rules.