significant figures: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low in everyday usage, high in academic and technical contexts.Formal, technical
Quick answer
What does “significant figures” mean?
The digits in a numerical value that are known with certainty plus one estimated digit, used to express precision in measurements and calculations.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The digits in a numerical value that are known with certainty plus one estimated digit, used to express precision in measurements and calculations.
In mathematics and science, significant figures indicate the reliability of a measurement or calculation, with specific rules for counting, rounding, and operating on them to avoid false precision.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; the term is standardized in scientific communities globally.
Connotations
Neutral, technical term with no regional variations in meaning.
Frequency
Equally prevalent in academic, scientific, and engineering contexts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “significant figures” in a Sentence
have [number] significant figuresbe expressed with significant figuresreport to significant figuresVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “significant figures” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Can you figure out the significant figures for this measurement?
American English
- We need to figure the sig figs in this data set.
adverb
British English
- The value was significantly rounded to three figures.
American English
- The numbers vary significantly based on the sig figs used.
adjective
British English
- The significant figures in the result indicate its precision.
American English
- Ensure you use significant digits for accurate reporting.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in financial reporting and data analysis to ensure precise numerical representations.
Academic
Common in science, mathematics, and engineering courses for teaching measurement and calculation precision.
Everyday
Rarely used; may appear in discussions about data accuracy or in educational settings.
Technical
Essential in fields like physics, chemistry, and engineering for error analysis and reliable computations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “significant figures”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “significant figures”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “significant figures”
- Counting leading zeros as significant figures
- Mixing up significant figures with decimal places
- Incorrectly rounding during calculations
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Significant figures are the digits in a number that carry meaning contributing to its precision, including all certain digits and one estimated digit.
Start from the first non-zero digit and count all digits thereafter, including zeros between non-zero digits or trailing zeros in a decimal number.
Significant figures relate to the overall precision of a number, while decimal places refer specifically to the number of digits after the decimal point.
They prevent overstatement of precision in measurements and calculations, ensuring results are reported reliably and consistently.
The digits in a numerical value that are known with certainty plus one estimated digit, used to express precision in measurements and calculations.
Significant figures is usually formal, technical in register.
Significant figures: in British English it is pronounced /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt ˈfɪɡəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt ˈfɪɡjərz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sig figs”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Significant Figures Start From First Non-Zero Digit: S.F.S.F.F.N.Z.D.
Conceptual Metaphor
Digits as bearers of truth in numerical representations, emphasizing reliability over mere quantity.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of significant figures?