Significant Figures Calculator

Calculate significant figures with mathematical expressions including logarithms, exponentials, and basic operations. Perfect for chemistry, physics, and scientific calculations with step-by-step explanations.

Expression Input

Enter mathematical expressions with logarithms, basic operations, and constants

Number Keypad

Example Calculation

Try these examples:

e^2.5

Exponential function (e raised to 2.5)

1.5/log(4)

Division with logarithm

Supported functions:

  • • Basic operations: +, -, ×, ÷
  • • Exponentiation: ^ (e.g., e^2, 2^3)
  • • Logarithms: log() (base 10), ln() (natural log)
  • • Constants: e (Euler's number)
  • • Parentheses: () for grouping

What are Significant Figures?

Significant figures (sig figs) are the meaningful digits in a number that carry information about the precision of a measurement or calculation. They include all certain digits plus one uncertain digit.

Examples:

  • • 123.45 has 5 significant figures
  • • 0.0123 has 3 significant figures
  • • 1200 has 2 significant figures (ambiguous)
  • • 1.200 × 10³ has 4 significant figures

Rounding Rules

When rounding to a specific number of significant figures, follow these standard rules:

Rule 1: Digits < 5

Round down (drop the digit)

2.491 → 2.49 (3 sig figs)

Rule 2: Digits ≥ 5

Round up (increase the preceding digit)

2.496 → 2.50 (3 sig figs)

Scientific Applications

Significant figures are crucial in various scientific and engineering fields:

Chemistry

Concentration calculations, stoichiometry, analytical measurements

Physics

Experimental data analysis, measurement uncertainty

Engineering

Precision requirements, tolerance specifications

Laboratory

Instrument precision, data reporting standards

How to Use This Calculator

Our calculator supports complex mathematical expressions with automatic significant figure calculation:

  1. 1Enter your mathematical expression using the keypad or typing directly
  2. 2Select the desired number of significant figures (1-5)
  3. 3Click Calculate to see the result with step-by-step explanation
  4. 4View results in multiple formats: standard, scientific notation, and decimal places

Supported Operations:

Basic: +, -, ×, ÷ | Exponents: ^ (e.g., e^2, 2^3) | Logarithms: log(), ln() | Constants: e | Parentheses: ()

Significant Figures Calculator - Free Online Sig Fig Calculator with Math Expression Support