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Significant Figures

Significant Figures (Rules)

Section titled “Significant Figures (Rules)”

  1. All non-zero digits in a measured number are significant.
    (1–9 all are significant)
    Example: 235.52 → 5 s.f.

  2. Leading zeros that are holding the place of a decimal are NOT significant.
    (Before 1–9, 0 is not significant)
    Example: 0.0073 → 2 s.f.

  3. Zeros between non-zero numbers are significant.
    (Between 1–9, 0 is significant)
    Example: 2300.1 → 5 s.f.

  4. Zero after a non-zero number (and after decimal) are significant.
    Example: 0.0010 → 2 s.f.

  5. Zeros after a decimal point are significant.
    Example: 0.00 → 2 s.f.

  6. Any digits between significant figures are significant.
    Example: 205004 → 6 s.f.