Significant Figures Worksheet with Answers
Print this sig fig worksheet for practice with counting, rounding, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exact numbers, and mixed chemistry-style calculations.
Worksheet format
This worksheet has 30 problems: 8 counting problems, 6 rounding problems, 6 addition/subtraction problems, 6 multiplication/division problems, and 4 mixed problems. The answer key follows the student worksheet.
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Each answer includes the rule behind it.
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Student worksheet
Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________________
Part A: Count the significant figures
Write the number of significant figures in each measured value.
Part B: Round to the requested significant figures
Round each value to the requested number of significant figures.
Part C: Add or subtract with significant figures
Calculate, then round the final answer to the least precise decimal place.
Part D: Multiply or divide with significant figures
Calculate, then round to the same number of significant figures as the least precise measured factor.
Part E: Mixed significant figures practice
Keep guard digits during the calculation, then round once at the end.
Answer key with rules
Part A: Count the significant figures
Leading zeros do not count; 4, 5, and the final decimal zero count.
Trailing zeros in a whole number are ambiguous unless context or notation says otherwise.
The decimal point makes all trailing zeros significant.
Only the coefficient 3.020 controls the sig fig count.
The significant digits are 9, 8, and the trailing decimal zero.
Zeros between non-zero digits and the final decimal zero count.
Zeros after a decimal and after a non-zero digit are significant.
A decimal point after a whole number makes the trailing zeros significant.
Part B: Round to the requested significant figures
Keep 4 and 8; the next digit is 2, so round down.
The first two significant digits are 5 and 6; the next digit 8 rounds up.
Scientific notation shows the three significant digits clearly.
The rounded result needs a trailing zero to show 3 sig figs.
Ignore leading zeros, then keep 4, 5, and 3; the 8 rounds up.
Keep 7, 6, and 8; the 9 rounds the 8 to 9.
Part C: Add or subtract with significant figures
9.05 is reported to the hundredths place, so the sum is rounded to hundredths.
257.2 is reported to tenths, so the difference is rounded to tenths.
12.1 is reported to tenths, so the sum is rounded to tenths.
100.0 is reported to tenths, so the difference is rounded to tenths.
0.560 has three decimal places, so the sum keeps three decimal places.
12.1 is reported to tenths, so the final answer is reported to tenths.
Part D: Multiply or divide with significant figures
2.5 has 2 sig figs, so the product has 2 sig figs.
0.10 has 2 sig figs, so the final product has 2 sig figs.
6.10 has 3 sig figs, so the quotient has 3 sig figs.
Both values have 3 sig figs, so the answer has 3 sig figs.
27.5 and 1.82 each have 3 sig figs, so keep 3 sig figs.
4 samples is an exact count, so 3.20 g controls the 3-sig-fig answer.
Part E: Mixed significant figures practice
Calculate inside parentheses first, then add and round by decimal places at the final addition step.
The subtraction is limited to hundredths, then multiplication gives 4 sig figs.
The sum is 3.900, which has 4 sig figs; 65.70 also has 4 sig figs.
The metric conversion is exact, so the 4-sig-fig measured volume controls.
How to use this worksheet
| Skill | Problems | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Counting sig figs | A1-A8 | Warm-up or quick check |
| Rounding sig figs | B1-B6 | Before calculation worksheets |
| Addition and subtraction | C1-C6 | Decimal-place rule practice |
| Multiplication and division | D1-D6 | Fewest-sig-fig rule practice |
| Mixed operations | E1-E4 | Chemistry quiz or review |
Frequently asked questions
What is included in this significant figures worksheet?
This worksheet includes counting significant figures, rounding to significant figures, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, exact numbers, unit conversions, and mixed-operation practice. An answer key with short explanations is included.
Can I print this sig fig worksheet?
Yes. Use the Print worksheet button or your browser's print command. The page is formatted so the worksheet, answer key, and teaching notes can be printed or saved as a PDF.
Does the worksheet include answers?
Yes. Every problem has an answer and a short note explaining the rule used. The answer key is separated from the student worksheet section so it can be printed separately if needed.
Is this worksheet useful for chemistry?
Yes. The problems include measurement values, exact counts, unit conversions, and mixed calculations that match common chemistry significant figures practice.
Should students round during intermediate steps?
No. Students should keep guard digits during intermediate steps and round once at the final reporting step. Early rounding can change the final answer.