Sig Figs

Types of Sig figs

Non-zero digits

All non-zero numbers (1-9) are always significant. Example 45.2 has three sig figs

Captive/sandwich Zeros

Zeros located between two non-zero digits are always significant. Example 205 has three sig figs

Leading Zeros

Zeros at the beginning of a number that only place the decimal point are not significant. Example 0.0048 has two sig figs

Trailing Zeros with a decimal

Zeros at the end of a number that contains a decimal point are significant. Example 45.00 has four sig figs

Trailing zeros without a decimal

Zeros at the end of a whole number without a decimal point are usually not significant. Example 1500 has two sig figs.