Designation: E 29 02

Standard Practice for

Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine
Conformance with Specifications1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 29; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope example, the numbers 1270. and 32.00 each have four signifi-
1.1 This practice is intended to assist the various technical cant digits. The significance of trailing zeros for numbers
committees in the use of uniform methods of indicating the represented without use of a decimal point can only be
number of digits which are to be considered significant in identified from knowledge of the source of the value. For
specification limits, for example, specified maximum values example, a modulus strength, stated as 140 000 Pa, may have
and specified minimum values. Its aim is to outline methods as few as two or as many as six significant digits.
which should aid in clarifying the intended meaning of 3.1.2 To eliminate ambiguity, the exponential notation may
specification limits with which observed values or calculated be used. Thus, 1.40 3 105 indicates that the modulus is
test results are compared in determining conformance with reported to the nearest 0.01 3 10 5 or 1000 Pa.
specifications. 3.1.3 Use of appropriate SI prefixes is recommended for
1.2 This practice is intended to be used in determining metric units to reduce the need for trailing zeros of uncertain
conformance with specifications when the applicable ASTM significance. Thus, 140 kPa and 0.140 MPa each indicate that
specifications or standards make direct reference to this prac- the modulus is reported to the nearest 1 kPa or 1000 Pa, while
tice. 140 kPa may again have two or three significant digits.
1.3 Reference to this practice is valid only when a choice of 4. Significance and Use
method has been indicated, that is, either absolute method or
rounding method. 4.1 This practice describes two commonly accepted meth-
ods of rounding data, identified as the Absolute Method and the
2. Referenced Documents Rounding Method. In the applications of this practice to a
2.1 ASTM Standards: specific material or materials it is essential to specify which
E 456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics2 method is intended to apply. In the absence of such specifica-
SI 10 Standard for Use of the International System of Units tion, reference to this practice, which expresses no preference
(SI) (the Modernized Metric System)3 as to which method should apply, would be meaningless. The
choice of method is arbitrary depending upon the current
3. Terminology practice of the particular branch of industry or technology
3.1 significant digit, nany of the figures 0 through 9, concerned, and should therefore be specified in the prime
excepting leading zeros and some trailing zeros, which is used publication.
with its place value to denote a numerical quantity to some 4.1.1 The unqualified statement of a numerical limit, such as
desired approximation. 2.50 in. max, cannot, in view of different established
3.1.1 The digit zero may either indicate a specific value or practices and customs, be regarded as carrying a definite
indicate place only. Zeros leading the first nonzero digit of a operational meaning concerning the number of digits to be
number indicate order of magnitude only and are not signifi- retained in an observed or a calculated value for purposes of
cant digits. For example, the number 0.0034 has two significant determining conformance with specifications.
digits. Zeros trailing the last nonzero digit for numbers 4.1.2 Absolute MethodIn some fields, specification limits
represented with a decimal point are significant digits. For of 2.5 in. max, 2.50 in. max, and 2.500 in. max are all taken to
imply the same absolute limit of exactly two and a half inches
1
and for purposes of determining conformance with specifica-
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E11 on Quality and tions, an observed value or a calculated value is to be compared
Statistics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E11.10 on Sampling and
Data Analysis. directly with the specified limit. Thus, any deviation, however
Current edition approved May 10, 2002. Published July 2002. Originally small, outside the specification limit signifies nonconformance
published as E 29 40. Last previous edition E 29 93 (1999). with the specifications. This will be referred to as the absolute
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.04.
method, which is discussed in 5.

Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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4.1.3 Rounding MethodIn other fields, specification limits prescribed in 4.2 to the nearest unit in the designated place of
of 2.5 in. max, 2.50 in. max, 2.500 in. max are taken to imply figures stated in the standard, as, for example, to the nearest
that, for the purposes of determining conformance with speci- kPa, to the nearest 10 ohms, to the nearest 0.1 percent,
fications, an observed value or a calculated value should be etc. The rounded value should then be compared with the
rounded to the nearest 0.1 in., 0.01 in., 0.001 in., respectively, specified limit, and conformance or nonconformance with the
and then compared with the specification limit. This will be specification based on this comparison.
referred to as the rounding method,which is discussed in 6. 6.3 How ExpressedThis intent may be expressed in the
4.2 Section 7 of this practice gives guidelines for use in standard in one of the following forms:
recording, calculating, and reporting the final result for test 6.3.1 If the rounding method is to apply to all specified
data. limits in the standard, and if all digits expressed in the
specification limit are to be considered significant, this may be
5. Absolute Method indicated by including the following statement in the standard:
5.1 Where ApplicableThe absolute method applies where The following applies to all specified limits in this standard: For purposes of
it is the intent that all digits in an observed value or a calculated determining conformance with these specifications, an observed value or a cal-
culated value shall be rounded to the nearest unit in the last right-hand digit
value are to be considered significant for purposes of deter- used in expressing the specification limit, in accordance with the rounding
mining conformance with specifications. Under these condi- method of ASTM Practice E 29, for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to De-
tions, the specified limits are referred to as absolute limits. termine Conformance with Specifications.
5.2 How AppliedWith the absolute method, an observed 6.3.2 If the rounding method is to apply only to the specified
value or a calculated value is not to be rounded, but is to be limits for certain selected requirements, this may be indicated
compared directly with the specified limiting value. Conform- by including the following statement in the standard:
ance or nonconformance with the specification is based on this The following applies to specified limits for requirements on (tensile
comparison. strength), (elongation), and ( ... ) given in ..., (applicable section number and
5.3 How ExpressedThis intent may be expressed in the title) and ( ... ) of this standard: For purposes of determining conformance with
these specifications, an observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded
standard in one of the following forms: to the nearest 1kPa for (tensile strength), to the nearest (1 percent) for (elonga-
5.3.1 If the absolute method is to apply to all specified limits tion), and to the nearest ( ... ) for ( ... ) in accordance with the rounding-off
in the standard, this may be indicated by including the method of ASTM Practice E 29 Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Deter-
mine Conformance with Specifications.
following sentence in the standard:
For purposes of determining conformance with these speci- 6.3.3 If the rounding method is to apply to all specified
fications, all specified limits in this standard are absolute limits, limits in a table, this may be indicated by a note in the manner
as defined in ASTM Practice E 29, for Using Significant Digits shown in the following examples:
in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications. 6.3.3.1 Example 1Same significant digits for all items:
5.3.2 If the absolute method is to apply to all specified limits Chemical Composition,
% mass
of some general type in the standard (such as dimensional
tolerance limits), this may be indicated by including the Copper 4.5 6 0.5
following sentence in the standard: Iron 1.0 max
Silicon 2.5 6 0.5
For purposes of determining conformance with these speci- Other constituents (magnesium + zinc + manganese) 0.5 max
fications, all specified (dimensional tolerance) limits are abso- Aluminum remainder
lute limits, as defined in ASTM Practice E 29, Using Signifi- NOTE 1For purposes of determining conformance with these speci-
cant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with fications, an observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded to the
Specifications. nearest 0.1 percent, in accordance with the rounding method of ASTM
5.3.3 If the absolute method is to apply to all specified limits Practice E 29, for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine
given in a table, this may be indicated by including a footnote Conformance with Specifications.
with the table as follows: 6.3.3.2 Example 2Significant digits not the same for all
Capacity Volumetric ToleranceA items; similar requirements:
mL 6 mL
Chemical Composition, % mass
10 0.02 min max
25 0.03
50 0.05 Nickel 57 ...
100 0.10 Chromium 14 18
Manganese ... 3
A
Tolerance limits specified are absolute limits as defined in ASTM Practice Silicon ... 0.40
E 29, for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Carbon ... 0.25
Specifications. Sulfur ... 0.03
Iron remainder
6. Rounding Method
NOTE 2For purposes of determining conformance with these speci-
6.1 Where ApplicableThe rounding method applies where fications, an observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded to the
it is the intent that a limited number of digits in an observed nearest unit in the last right-hand significant digit used in expressing the
value or a calculated value are to be considered significant for limiting value, in accordance with the rounding method of ASTM Practice
purposes of determining conformance with specifications. E 29, Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance
6.2 How AppliedWith the rounding method, an observed with Specifications.
value or a calculated value should be rounded by the procedure 6.3.3.3 Example 3Significant digits not the same for all

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items; dissimilar requirements: 6.6 Special Case, Rounding to the Nearest 50, 5, 0.5, 0.05,
Tensile Requirements etc.If in special cases it is desired to specify rounding to the
nearest 50, 5, 0.5, 0.05, etc., this may be done by so indicating
Tensile strength, psi 60 000 to 72 000
Yield point, min, psi 33 000
in the standard. In order to round to the nearest 50, 5, 0.5, 0.05,
Elongation in 2 in., min % 22 etc., double the observed or calculated value, round off to the
NOTE 3For purposes of determination of conformance with these nearest 100, 10, 1.0, 0.10, etc., in accordance with the
specifications, an observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded off procedure in 6.4, and divide by 2. For example, in rounding
to the nearest 1000 psi for tensile strength and yield point and to the 6 025 to the nearest 50, 6 025 is doubled giving 12 050 which
nearest 1 percent for elongation, in accordance with the rounding method becomes 12 000 when rounded to the nearest 100 (6.4.3).
of ASTM Practice E 29 for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to When 12 000 is divided by 2, the resulting number, 6 000, is
Determine Conformance with Specifications. the rounded value of 6 025. In rounding 6 075 to the nearest 50,
6.4 Rounding ProcedureThe actual rounding procedure4 6 075 is doubled giving 12 150 which becomes 12 200 when
shall be as follows: rounded to the nearest 100 (6.4.3). When 12 200 is divided by
6.4.1 When the digit next beyond the last place to be 2, the resulting number, 6 100, is the rounded value of 6 075.
retained is less than 5, retain unchanged the digit in the last
place retained. 7. Guidelines for Retaining Significant Figures in
6.4.2 When the digit next beyond the last place to be Calculation and Reporting of Test Results
retained is greater than 5, increase by 1 the digit in the last 7.1 General DiscussionRounding test results avoids a
place retained. misleading impression of precision while preventing loss of
6.4.3 When the digit next beyond the last place to be information due to coarse resolution. Any approach to retention
retained is 5, and there are no digits beyond this 5, or only of significant digits of necessity involves some loss of infor-
zeros, increase by 1 the digit in the last place retained if it is mation; therefore, the level of rounding should be carefully
odd, leave the digit unchanged if it is even. Increase by 1 the selected considering both planned and potential uses for the
digit in the last place retained, if there are digits beyond this 5. data. The number of significant digits must, first, be adequate
6.4.4 This rounding procedure may be restated simply as for comparison against specification limits (see 6.2). The
follows: When rounding a number to one having a specified following guidelines are intended to preserve the data for
number of significant digits, choose that which is nearest. If statistical summaries. For certain purposes, such as where
two choices are possible, as when the digits dropped are calculations involve differences of measurements close in
exactly a 5 or a 5 followed only by zeros, choose that ending magnitude, and for some statistical calculations, such as paired
in an even digit. Table 1 gives examples of applying this t-tests, autocorrelations, and nonparametric tests, reporting
rounding-off procedure. data to a greater number of significant digits may be advisable.
6.5 The rounded value should be obtained in one step by
7.2 Recording Test DataWhen recording direct measure-
direct rounding of the most precise value available and not in
ments, as in reading marks on a buret, ruler, or dial, all digits
two or more successive roundings. For example: 89 490
known exactly, plus one digit which may be uncertain due to
rounded to the nearest 1 000 is at once 89 000; it would be
estimation, should be recorded. For example, if a buret is
incorrect to round first to the nearest 100, giving 89 500 and
graduated in units of 0.1 mL, then an observation would be
then to the nearest 1 000, giving 90 000.
recorded as 9.76 mL where it is observed between 9.7 and 9.8
marks on the buret, and estimated about six tenths of the way
4
between those marks. When the measuring device has a vernier
The rounding-off procedure given in this practice is the same as the one given
in the ASTM Manual 7 on Presentation of Data and Control Chart Analysis.
scale, the last digit recorded is the one from the vernier.
7.2.1 The number of significant digits given by a digital
TABLE 1 ExamplesA of Rounding display or printout from an instrument should be greater than or
Rounded
equal to those given by the rule for reporting test results in 7.4
Observed Value to be Conforms below.
To Be
Value or Used for with 7.3 Calculation of Test Result from Test DataWhen cal-
Specified Limit Rounded
Calculated Purposes of Specified
Value
to Nearest
Determining Limit culating a test result from test data, avoid rounding of inter-
Conformance mediate quantities. As far as is practicable with the calculating
Yield point, 36 000 35 940 100 kPa 35 900 no device or form used, carry out calculations with the test data
psi, min $ 35 950 100 kPa 36 000 yes exactly and round only the final result.
35 960 100 kPa 36 000 yes
Nickel, 57 %, mass, 56.4 1% 56 no 7.4 Reporting Test ResultsA suggested rule relates the
min $ 56.5 1% 56 no significant digits of the test result to the precision of the
56.6 1% 57 yes measurement expressed as the standard deviation s. The
Water extract 40.4 1 ms/m 40 yes
conductivity, 40 $ 40.5 1 ms/m 40 yes applicable standard deviation is the repeatability standard
ms/m, max 40.6 1 ms/m 41 no deviation (see Terminology E 456). Test results should be
Sodium bicarbonate 0.54 0.1 % 0.5 yes
round to not greater than 0.5 s nor less than 0.05 s, provided
0.5 %, max, dry $ 0.55 0.1 % 0.6 no
mass basis 0.56 0.1 % 0.6 no that this value is not greater than the unit specified in the
A
These examples are meant to illustrate rounding rules and do not necessarily specification (see 6.2). When only an estimate, s, is available
reflect the usual number of digits associated with these test methods. for s, s may be used in place of s in the preceding sentence.

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Example:A test result is calculated as 1.45729. The standard deviation of mathematical constants is that they are to be treated as having
the test method is estimated to be, 0.0052. Round to 1.457 or the nearest an infinite number of significant digits.
0.001 since this rounding unit, 0.001, is between 0.05 s = 0.00026 and 0.5s
= 0.0026. Examples:
(1) 1 0.23/2 = 0.88 where the numbers 1 and 2 are exact and 0.23 is an ap-
NOTE 4A rationale for this rule is derived from representing the proximate quantity. (2) A count of 50 pieces times a measured thickness 0.124
standard deviation of a rounded test result by = s2 1 w2/12 where s is mm is 50 3 0.124 = 6.20 mm, having three significant figures. (3) A measure-
ment of 1.634 in. to the nearest thousandth, is converted to mm. The result,
the standard deviation of the unrounded test result. The quantity w/ =12 1.634 3 25.4 = 41.50 mm, has four significant digits. The conversion constant,
is the standard deviation of an error uniformly distributed over the range 25.4, is exact.
w. Rounding so that w is below 0.5 s ensures that the standard deviation
is increased by at most 1 %, while adding more digits would give a NOTE 5More extensive discussion of dimensional conversion can be
misleading impression of precision. found in Standard SI 10.
7.4.1 When no estimate of the standard deviation s is 7.5 Specification LimitsWhen the rounding method is to
known, then rules for retention of significant digits of com- apply to given specified limits, it is desirable that the signifi-
puted quantities may be used to derive a number of significant cant digits of the specified limits should conform to the
digits to be reported, based on significant digits of test data. precision of the test following the rule of 7.3. That is, the
7.4.1.1 The rule when adding or subtracting test data is that rounding unit for the specification limits should be between
the result shall contain no significant digits beyond the place of 0.05 and 0.5 times the standard deviation of the test.
the last significant digit of any datum. 7.6 Averages and Standard DeviationsWhen reporting
Examples: the average and standard deviation of replicated measurements
(1) 11.24 + 9.3 + 6.32 = 26.9, since the last significant digit of 9.3 is the first fol-
lowing the decimal place, 26.9 is obtained by rounding the exact sum, 26.86, to or repeated samplings of a material, a suggested rule for most
this place of digits. cases is to round the standard deviation to two significant digits
(2) 926 923.4 = 3 and round the average to the same last place of significant
(3) 140 000 + 91 460 = 231 000 when the first value was recorded to the near-
est thousand. digits. When the number of observations is large (more than 15
when the lead digit of the standard deviation is 1, more than 50
7.4.1.2 The rule when multiplying or dividing is that the with lead digit 2, more than 100 in other cases), an additional
result shall contain no more significant digits than the value digit may be advisable.
with the smaller number of significant digits. 7.6.1 Alternative approaches for averages include reporting
Examples: x to within 0.05 to 0.5 times the standard deviation of the
(1) 11.38 3 4.3 = 49, since the factor 4.2 has two siginificant digits average s/ =n , or applying rules for retaining significant
(2) (926 923.4)/4.3 = 0.6 Only one figure is significant since the numerator
difference has only one significant digit. digits to the calculation of x. ASTM Manual 7 provides
methods for reporting x and s for these applications.4
7.4.1.3 The rules for logarithms and exponentials are: Digits NOTE 6A rationale for the suggested rule comes from the uncertainty
of ln (x) or log10(x) are significant through the n-th place after of a calculated standard deviation s. The standard deviation of s based on
the decimal when x has n significant digits. The number of sampling from a normal distribution with n observations is approximately
significant digits of e x or 10x is equal to the place of the last s/ =2n . Reporting s to within 0.05 to 0.5 of this value, following the rule
significant digit in x after the decimal. of 7.4, leads to two significant digits for most values of s when the
Examples:ln(3.46) = 1.241 to three places after the decimal, since 3.46 has
number of observations n is 100 or fewer.
three significant digits. 103.46 = 2900 has two significant digits, since 3.46 is Example: Analyses on six specimens give values of 3.56, 3.88, 3.95,
given to two places after the decimal. 4.07, 4.21, and 4.47 for a constituent. The average and standard deviation,
unrounded, are x = 4.0233... and s = 0.3089... . The suggested rule would
7.4.1.4 The rule for numbers representing exact counts or report x and s as 4.02 and 0.31.

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