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Significant figures indicate the precision of a measurement. All non-zero digits are significant. Zeros may or may not be significant depending on position.
Formula
Sig figs rules: Non-zero digits, zeros between non-zero digits, trailing zeros after decimal point
Leading zeros are never significant. Trailing zeros without a decimal point are ambiguous.
Start from the first non-zero digit, count all digits including zeros between non-zeros.
Eliminates ambiguity: 2.50 × 10² clearly has 3 significant figures.
Report results with precision matching your least precise measurement.
Express experimental measurements with appropriate precision.
Maintain precision through calculations to avoid accumulated error.
Stoichiometric calculations require consistent sig fig handling.
No. In 0.0045, only 4 and 5 are significant (2 sig figs). Leading zeros just place the decimal.
With decimal point, yes: 2.50 has 3 sig figs. Without, it's ambiguous: 250 could be 2 or 3 sig figs.
Count from the first non-zero digit. Round the last kept digit normally based on the next digit.
Multiplication/division: use fewest sig figs. Addition/subtraction: use fewest decimal places.