Importance of significant

figures in measurements
and calculations.
An overview by-
Tazneen Hossain Tani
 What is significant figure?
Those digits in a measured number or calculation that include all certain digits plus a
final digit having some uncertainty.

Which digits are

not significant?

123.5 mm • Zeros before decimal point in

• 1,2 and 3 are certain and more quantities less than 1: 0.123
significant. • Zeros to the left of non-zero digit:
• 5 is uncertain and less 0.00123
significant. • Terminal zeros are ambiguous: 1500
Use least number of decimal points
and significant figures.
Importance of significant figures:

 More precision in measurement.

 Indicates capability of measuring tool.
 To prevent expressing a number beyond we have
measured or calculated.
 To estimate uncertainty in the final result.
 Thank you

Any questions?