Math & StatisticsFormula-based · Runs in your browser

Significant Figures Calculator

Perform arithmetic and round the result using significant-figure rules.

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Inputs

Enter the values you know. Optional fields may be left empty.

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Required
Required
Required

Result

Updates as valid inputs change.

Calculated locally
Result with significant-figure rule
Unrounded numeric result
Rule applied
Retained significant figures

Saved locally, explained clearly

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Calculation steps

Follow what happened from the selected formula to the displayed answer.

Show substituted values and intermediate working
Calculate current inputs to see the working.
  1. 1

    Formula selected

    The calculator uses the following formula or method.

    multiplication/division retain the fewest significant figures; addition/subtraction retain the fewest decimal places

  2. 2

    Values entered

    Your values are placed into the calculation.

    Enter values to see what is used in this step.

  3. 3

    Result calculated

    The formula or method produces the following result values.

    Results will appear after a successful calculation.

  4. 4

    Answer formatted

    Displayed values are rounded and formatted using each output’s configured precision.

Scenario comparison

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Recent calculations

Successful calculations are retained locally according to your privacy settings.

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Data and privacy

What this calculator does

Perform arithmetic and round the result using significant-figure rules.

How it works

The calculator evaluates multiplication/division retain the fewest significant figures; addition/subtraction retain the fewest decimal places. Inputs are checked before calculation, and invalid values such as zero denominators or out-of-range selections produce a clear error instead of a misleading result.

Input query strings and outputs

Use an input name in this page’s URL as ?name=value, and join additional inputs with &. Portable shared links may instead use the compact ?ac= state parameter.

Input query strings

3
  • ?operation= Operation

    Choice · Required · Default: multiply · Accepted values: add, subtract, multiply, divide

  • ?valueA= First measured value

    Text · Required · Default: 12.30

  • ?valueB= Second measured value

    Text · Required · Default: 4.5

Outputs

4
  • roundedResult Result with significant-figure rule

    Text · Primary output

  • unroundedResult Unrounded numeric result

    Number

  • rule Rule applied

    Text

  • retainedDigits Retained significant figures

    Whole number

Inputs and results

The inputs are Operation, First measured value, Second measured value. Results include Result with significant-figure rule, Unrounded numeric result, Rule applied, Retained significant figures.

Sources
  • No external reference is listed for this calculator. Its formula and variable definitions are shown above.
Limitations
  • Results depend on the selected method and input assumptions. Displayed decimals may be rounded; retain appropriate precision for later calculations.