Significant figures are always used when a measurement is made and they express the degree of uncertainty in both measurements and calculations. In any measurement, the number of significant figures always includes one more decimal place than that obtained from the smallest calibration on the measuring instrument. All the digits in a measured number are called significant figures with all but the right-most digit known for sure. The right-most digit has been estimated.

Several rules can be used to determine the number of significant figures when the measurement contains at least one zero. However, a very simple technique called DOT RIGHT, GO RIGHT is much easier to remember.

• If the measurement is written with a decimal point, then start with the left-most digit. Move to the right until you find the first non-zero digit. Count that digit and every digit to the right end of the value.
  
• If the measurement does not contain a decimal point, do exactly the same thing in the other direction (right to left).

Enter the measurement and click the Convert Button. Use the Clear Button to clear the values.

Measurement
Number Of Sig Figs