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Sig Fig Guides

Sig Fig Guides

Everything you need to master significant figures. Start with the counting rules, then learn how to apply them in calculations.

What Are Sig Figs?

Start here if you need the meaning of sig figs, why they matter, and how to recognize them in real numbers.

DefinitionPrecisionExamplesChemistry

Significant Figures in Chemistry

Learn how sig figs work in chemistry measurements, lab calculations, unit conversions, exact numbers, and final answer rounding.

ChemistryLab dataUnit conversionsExact numbers

Decimal Places vs Significant Figures

Know when to round by decimal places, when to use significant figures, and why the rule changes by operation.

Decimal placesSig figsRoundingOperations

Significant Figures in Scientific Notation

Learn why only the coefficient counts, how E notation works, and how scientific notation removes trailing-zero ambiguity.

Scientific notationE notationCoefficientTrailing zeros

Exact Numbers and Significant Figures

Decide when counts, definitions, and conversion factors are exact and when measured values limit your final answer.

Exact numbersCountsConversionsChemistry

Significant Figures Worksheet

Print a worksheet with counting, rounding, calculation, mixed-operation problems, and an answer key.

WorksheetAnswersPrintablePractice

Complete Sig Fig Rules

Master all 5 rules for counting significant figures. The foundation for everything else.

Non-zero digitsZeros between digitsLeading zerosTrailing zerosScientific notation

How Many Significant Figures?

50+ examples showing how many sig figs are in any number. Quick answers with explanations.

50+ examplesDecimalsZerosScientific notationPractice problems

Rounding Significant Figures

Learn how to round to any number of sig figs. Step-by-step process with examples.

3-step processRound up vs downCommon mistakesPractice problems

Addition & Subtraction Rules

Learn how to add and subtract with sig figs. Focus on decimal places, not sig fig count.

Decimal place ruleStep-by-step examplesCommon mistakesMixed operations

Multiplication & Division Rules

Master multiplying and dividing with sig figs. Round to the fewest significant figures.

Sig fig countingDivision examplesScientific notationExact numbers
Recommended Learning Path
Follow this order for the best understanding
1
Counting Rules
2
Addition Rules
3
Multiplication Rules
4
Practice!

Ready to Practice?

Test your sig fig skills with 48 interactive problems