This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: E29 − 22 An American National Standard

Standard Practice for

Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine
Conformance with Specifications1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E29; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This practice is intended to assist the various technical 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
committees in the use of uniform methods of indicating the E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
number of digits which are to be considered significant in ASTM Test Methods
specification limits, for example, specified maximum values E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
and specified minimum values. Its aim is to outline methods E2282 Guide for Defining the Test Result of a Test Method
which should aid in clarifying the intended meaning of IEEE/ASTM SI 10 American National Standard for Metric
specification limits with which observed values or calculated Practice
test results are compared in determining conformance with
specifications. 3. Terminology
1.2 This practice is intended to be used in determining 3.1 Definitions—Terminology E456 provides a more exten-
conformance with specifications when the applicable ASTM sive list of terms in E11 standards.
specifications or standards make direct reference to this prac- 3.1.1 observed value, n—the value obtained by making an
tice. observation. E2282
3.1.2 repeatability conditions, n—conditions where inde-
1.3 Reference to this practice is valid only when a choice of
pendent test results are obtained with the same method on
method has been indicated, that is, either absolute method or
identical test items in the same laboratory by the same operator
rounding method.
using the same equipment within short intervals of time. E177
1.4 The system of units for this practice is not speci- 3.1.3 repeatability standard deviation (sr), n—the standard
fied. Dimensional quantities in the practice are presented only deviation of test results obtained under repeatability
as illustrations of calculation methods. The examples are not conditions. E177
binding on products or test methods treated.
3.1.4 significant digit—any of the figures 0 through 9 that is
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the used with its place value to denote a numerical quantity to
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the some desired approximation, excepting all leading zeros and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- some trailing zeros in numbers not represented with a decimal
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- point.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.1.4.1 Discussion—This definition of significant digits re-
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor- lates to how the number is represented as a decimal. It should
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- not be inferred that a measurement value is precise to the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the number of significant digits used to represent it.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 3.1.4.2 Discussion—The digit zero may either indicate a
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical specific value or indicate place only. Zeros leading the first
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. nonzero digit of a number indicate order of magnitude only and
are not significant digits. For example, the number 0.0034 has
two significant digits. Zeros trailing the last nonzero digit for
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E11 on Quality and
Statistics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E11.30 on Statistical
2
Quality Control. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved April 1, 2022. Published April 2022. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1940. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as E29 – 13 (2019). DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E0029-22. the ASTM website.

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

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 E29 − 22
numbers represented with a decimal point are significant digits. This will be referred to as the rounding method, which is
For example, the numbers 1270. and 32.00 each have four discussed in Section 7.
significant digits. The significance of trailing zeros for numbers 4.4 Section 8 of this practice gives guidelines for use in
represented without use of a decimal point can only be recording, calculating, and reporting the final result for test
identified from knowledge of the source of the value. For data.
example, a modulus strength, stated as 140 000 Pa, may have
as few as two or as many as six significant digits. 5. Treatment of Test Results
3.1.4.3 Discussion—To eliminate ambiguity, the exponen-
tial notation may be used. Thus, 1.40 × 105 indicates that the 5.1 Bias adjustments to be applied and criteria for accept-
modulus is reported to the nearest 0.01 × 105 or 1000 Pa. ability of the test data should be specified in the test method.
3.1.4.4 Discussion—Use of appropriate SI prefixes is rec- 5.2 Unless permitted by the specification or agreed by
ommended for metric units to reduce the need for trailing zeros supplier and receiver, the observed or calculated value for
of uncertain significance. Thus, 140 kPa (without the decimal comparison to limits shall not be modified in consideration of
point) indicates that the modulus is reported either to the measurement uncertainty prior to or subsequent to use of the
nearest 10 or 1 kPa, which is ambiguous with respect to the absolute or rounding method in this standard. When adjust-
number of significant digits. However, 0.140 MPa clearly ments to the observed or calculated value for comparison to
indicates that the modulus is reported to the nearest 1 kPa, and specification based on measurement uncertainty are permitted,
0.14 MPa clearly indicates that the modulus is reported to the the non-adjusted value, adjusted value, and adjustment method
nearest 10 kPa. shall be reported.
3.1.5 test result, n—the value of a characteristic obtained by 5.3 Unless part of a retest that is compliant with applicable
carrying out a specified test method. E2282 guidelines and is permitted by the specification, test method, or
4. Significance and Use a laboratory procedure, the test result for comparison to
specifications shall not be selected among multiple test results
4.1 A test result is compared to specification limits to of equal validity or repeat testing until a passing value is
determine conformance with the specification. The test result obtained.
may be an observed value, calculated from two or more
property measurements, or a summary value of multiple test 6. Absolute Method
determinations as defined in the test method.
6.1 Where Applicable—The absolute method applies where
4.2 The unqualified statement of a numerical limit, such as it is the intent that all digits in an observed value or a calculated
“2.50 in. max,” cannot, in view of different established value are to be considered significant for purposes of deter-
practices and customs, be regarded as carrying a definite mining conformance with specifications. Under these
operational meaning concerning the number of digits to be conditions, the specified limits are referred to as absolute
retained in an observed or a calculated value for purposes of limits.
determining conformance with specifications.
6.2 How Applied—With the absolute method, an observed
4.3 This practice describes two commonly accepted meth- value or a calculated value is not to be rounded, but is to be
ods to evaluate conformance of a numerical value to compared directly with the specified limiting value. Confor-
specification, identified as the Absolute Method and the mance or nonconformance with the specification is based on
Rounding Method. In the applications of this practice to a this comparison.
specific material or materials it is essential to specify which
method is intended to apply. The choice of method depends 6.3 How Expressed—This intent may be expressed in the
upon the current practice of the particular branch of industry or standard in one of the following forms:
technology concerned, and should therefore be specified in the 6.3.1 If the absolute method is to apply to all specified limits
prime publication. in the standard, this may be indicated by including the
4.3.1 Absolute Method—In some fields, specification limits following sentence in the standard:
of 2.5 in. max, 2.50 in. max, and 2.500 in. max are all taken to For purposes of determining conformance with these specifications, all
imply the same absolute limit of exactly two and a half inches specified limits in this standard are absolute limits, as defined in ASTM Practice
E29, for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with
and for purposes of determining conformance with Specifications.
specifications, an observed value or a calculated value is to be 6.3.2 If the absolute method is to apply to all specified limits
compared directly with the specified limit. Thus, any deviation, of some general type in the standard (such as dimensional
however small, outside the specification limit signifies noncon- tolerance limits), this may be indicated by including the
formance with the specifications. This will be referred to as the following sentence in the standard:
absolute method, which is discussed in Section 6.
For purposes of determining conformance with these specifications, all
4.3.2 Rounding Method—In other fields, specification limits specified (dimensional tolerance) limits are absolute limits, as defined in ASTM
of 2.5 in. max, 2.50 in. max, and 2.500 in. max are taken to Practice E29, for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Confor-
imply that, for the purposes of determining conformance with mance with Specifications.

specifications, an observed value or a calculated value should 6.3.3 If the absolute method is to apply to all specified limits
be rounded to the nearest 0.1 in., 0.01 in., 0.001 in., given in a table, this may be indicated by including a footnote
respectively, and then compared with the specification limit. with the table as follows:

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 E29 − 22

Capacity Volumetric ToleranceA Chemical Composition,

mL ± mL % mass

10 0.02 Copper 4.5 ± 0.5

25 0.03 Iron 1.0 max
50 0.05 Silicon 2.5 ± 0.5
100 0.10 Other constituents (magnesium + zinc + manganese) 0.5 max
Aluminum remainder
A
Tolerance limits specified are absolute limits as defined in Practice E29, for Using For purposes of determining conformance with these specifications, an
Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications. observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded to the nearest 0.1
percent, in accordance with the rounding method of ASTM Practice E29 Using
Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications.
7. Rounding Method
7.3.3.2 Example 2—Significant digits not the same for all
7.1 Where Applicable—The rounding method applies where items; similar requirements:
it is the intent that a limited number of digits in an observed Chemical Composition, % mass
value or a calculated value are to be considered significant for min max
purposes of determining conformance with specifications.
Nickel 57 ...
Chromium 14 18
7.2 How Applied—With the rounding method, an observed Manganese ... 3
value or a calculated value is rounded by the procedure Silicon ... 0.40
prescribed in 7.4 to the nearest unit in the designated place of Carbon ... 0.25
Sulfur ... 0.03
figures stated in the standard. The rounded value is compared Iron remainder
with the specified limit, and conformance or nonconformance For purposes of determining conformance with these specifications, an
with the specification based on this comparison. observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded “to the nearest unit” in
the last right-hand significant digit used in expressing the limiting value, in
7.2.1 The value as rounded to the decimal places of the accordance with the rounding method of ASTM Practice E29 Using Significant
specification is not required to be the reported value. Addi- Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications.
tional figures may be provided to preserve information, and the 7.3.3.3 Example 3—Significant digits not the same for all
rounding left implicit (see 8.1). For example, report passing items; dissimilar requirements:
observed or calculated values 0.012 or 0.0003 rather than 0.01
Tensile Requirements
or 0.00 for specification “not more than 0.01,” or values
98.65 % or 99.97 % rather than 99 % or 100 % for specifica- Tensile strength, psi 60 000 to 72 000
Yield point, min, psi 33 000
tion ≥99 %. A test method may also specify the decimals in
Elongation in 2 in., min % 22
values to be reported.
For purposes of determination of conformance with these specifications, an
observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded to the nearest 1000 psi
7.3 How Expressed—This intent may be expressed in the for tensile strength and yield point and to the nearest 1 percent for elongation,
standard in one of the following forms: in accordance with the rounding method of ASTM Practice E29 Using Signifi-
cant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications.
7.3.1 If the rounding method is to apply to all specified
limits in the standard, and if all digits expressed in the 7.4 Rounding Procedure—The actual rounding procedure3
specification limit are to be considered significant, this may be shall be as follows:
indicated by including the following statement in the standard: 7.4.1 When the digit next beyond the last place to be
The following applies to all specified limits in this standard: For purposes of
retained is less than 5, retain unchanged the digit in the last
determining conformance with these specifications, an observed value or a place retained.
calculated value shall be rounded “to the nearest unit” in the last right-hand digit 7.4.2 When the digit next beyond the last place to be
used in expressing the specification limit, in accordance with the rounding
method of ASTM Practice E29, for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to De- retained is greater than 5, increase by 1 the digit in the last
termine Conformance with Specifications. place retained.
7.3.2 If the rounding method is to apply only to the specified 7.4.3 When the digit next beyond the last place to be
limits for certain selected requirements, this may be indicated retained is 5, and there are no digits beyond this 5, or only
by including the following statement in the standard: zeros, increase by 1 the digit in the last place retained if it is
odd, leave the digit unchanged if it is even. Increase by 1 the
The following applies to specified limits for requirements on (tensile
strength), (elongation), and ( ... ) given in ..., (applicable section number and
digit in the last place retained, if there are non-zero digits
title) and ( ... ) of this standard: For purposes of determining conformance with beyond this 5.
these specifications, an observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded
to the nearest 1 kPa for (tensile strength), to the nearest (1 percent) for NOTE 1—This method for rounding 5’s is not universally used by
(elongation), and to the nearest ( ... ) for ( ... ) in accordance with the rounding software packages. For calculations carried out to high numerical
method of ASTM Practice E29 Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Deter- precision, the effect is negligible and need not be considered.
mine Conformance with Specifications.
7.4.4 This rounding procedure may be restated simply as
7.3.3 If the rounding method is to apply to all specified follows: When rounding a number to one having a specified
limits in a table, this may be indicated by a note in the manner
shown in the following examples: 3
The rounding procedure given in this practice is the same as the one given in
7.3.3.1 Example 1—Same significant digits for all items: the ASTM Manual 7 on Presentation of Data and Control Chart Analysis.

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 E29 − 22
number of significant digits, choose that which is nearest. If 7.7.2 Round the result obtained in 7.7.1 to the nearest whole
two choices are possible, as when the digits dropped are number following the conventions in 7.4, 7.4.1, 7.4.2, and 7.4.3
exactly a 5 or a 5 followed only by zeros, choose that ending as appropriate.
in an even digit. Table 1 gives examples of applying this 7.7.3 Multiply the result obtained in 7.7.2 by the desired
rounding procedure. rounding increment or interval.
7.5 The rounded value should be obtained in one step by 7.7.4 For example, in rounding 0.07 to the nearest 0.02,
direct rounding of the most precise value available and not in dividing 0.07 by 0.02 gives a value of 3.5. Rounding this value
two or more successive roundings. For example: 89 490 to the nearest whole number gives a value of 4, based on the
rounded to the nearest 1000 is at once 89 000; it would be information in 7.4.3. Multiplying 4 by 0.02 yields 0.08. In
incorrect to round first to the nearest 100, giving 89 500 and rounding 0.09 to the nearest 0.02, dividing 0.09 by 0.02 gives
then to the nearest 1000, giving 90 000. a value of 4.5. Rounding this value to the nearest whole
number gives a value of 4, based on the information in 7.4.3.
7.6 Special Case, Rounding to the Nearest 50, 5, 0.5, 0.05, Multiplying 4 by 0.02 yields 0.08.
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
8. Guidelines for Retaining Significant Figures in
in the standard. In order to round to the nearest 50, 5, 0.5, 0.05,
Calculation and Reporting of Test Results
etc., double the observed or calculated value, round to the
nearest 100, 10, 1.0, 0.10, etc., in accordance with the 8.1 General Discussion—Rounding test results avoids a
procedure in 7.4, and divide by 2. For example, in rounding misleading impression of precision while preventing loss of
6025 to the nearest 50, 6025 is doubled giving 12 050 which information due to coarse resolution. Any approach to retention
becomes 12 000 when rounded to the nearest 100 (7.4.3). of significant digits of necessity involves some loss of infor-
When 12 000 is divided by 2, the resulting number, 6000, is the mation; therefore, the level of rounding should be carefully
rounded value of 6025. In rounding 6075 to the nearest 50, selected considering both planned and potential uses for the
6075 is doubled giving 12 150 which becomes 12 200 when data. The number of significant digits must, first, be adequate
rounded to the nearest 100 (7.4.3). When 12 200 is divided by for comparison against specification limits (see 7.2). The
2, the resulting number, 6100, is the rounded value of 6075. following guidelines are intended to preserve the data for
statistical summaries. For certain purposes, such as where
7.7 Special Case, Rounding to the Nearest Interval Not
calculations involve differences of measurements close in
Covered in 7.4 or 7.6—In some test methods, there may be a
magnitude, and for some statistical calculations, such as paired
requirement to round a value to an interval that does not align
t-tests, autocorrelations, and nonparametric tests, reporting
with the specific requirements in 7.4 or 7.6, such as to the
data to a greater number of significant digits may be advisable.
nearest 0.02, 0.25, 0.3, etc. In such cases, the following
procedure can be used for rounding to any interval: 8.2 Recording Observed Values—When recording direct
measurements, as in reading marks on a buret, ruler, or dial, all
NOTE 2—Using a calculation subroutine that has been programmed to
perform the rounding procedure described in 7.7.1, 7.7.2, and 7.7.3 can be digits known exactly, plus one digit which may be uncertain
advantageous in evaluating laboratory data. due to estimation, should be recorded. For example, if a buret
7.7.1 Divide the result by the desired rounding increment or is graduated in units of 0.1 mL, then an observed value would
interval. be 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
TABLE 1 ExamplesA of Rounding way between those marks. When the measuring device has a
Rounded
vernier scale, the last digit recorded is the one from the vernier.
Observed
To Be
Value to be Conforms 8.2.1 The number of significant digits given by a digital
Value or Used for with display or printout from an instrument should be greater than or
Specified Limit Rounded
Calculated Purposes of Specified
Value
to Nearest
Determining Limit equal to those given by the rule for reporting test results in 8.4
Conformance below.
Yield point, 36 000 35 940 100 psi 35 900 no
psi, min 100 psi 36 000 yes 8.3 Calculation of Test Result from Observed Values—When
h 35 950
35 960 100 psi 36 000 yes calculating a test result from observed values, avoid rounding
of intermediate quantities. As far as is practicable with the
Nickel, 57 %, mass, 56.4 1% 56 no calculating device or form used, carry out calculations with the
min h 56.5 1% 56 no
1% 57 yes observed values exactly and round only the final result.
56.6
8.4 Reporting Test Results—A suggested rule relates the
Water extract 40.4 1 ms/m 40 yes
conductivity, 40 h 40.5 1 ms/m 40 yes significant digits of the test result to the precision of the
ms/m, max 40.6 1 ms/m 41 no measurement expressed as the standard deviation σ. The
applicable standard deviation is the repeatability standard
Sodium bicarbonate 0.54 0.1 % 0.5 yes deviation. The rounding interval for test results should not be
0.5 %, max, dry h 0.55 0.1 % 0.6 no
mass basis 0.56 0.1 % 0.6 no greater than 0.5 σ nor less than 0.05 σ, but not greater than the
A
unit in the specification (see 7.2). When only an estimate, s, is
These examples are meant to illustrate rounding rules and do not necessarily
reflect the usual number of digits associated with these test methods. available for σ, s may be used in place of σ in the preceding
sentence. An alternative statement of the suggested rule is:

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Write down the standard deviation. Round test results to the 8.4.1.4 The rule for numbers representing exact counts or
place of the first significant digit in the standard deviation if the mathematical constants is that they are to be treated as having
digit is two or higher, to the next place if it is a one. an infinite number of significant digits.
Example: Examples:
A test result is calculated as 1.45729. The standard deviation of the test method (1) 1 − 0.23 ⁄2 = 0.88 where the numbers 1 and 2 are exact and 0.23 is an
is estimated to be, 0.0052. Round to 1.457 or the nearest 0.001 since this approximate quantity.
rounding unit, 0.001, is between 0.05 σ = 0.00026 and 0.5 σ = 0.0026. (2 ) A count of 50 pieces times a measured thickness 0.124 mm is
50 × 0.124 = 6.20 mm, having three significant figures.
NOTE 3—A rationale for this rule is derived from Sheppard’s adjustment (3) A measurement of 1.634 in. to the nearest thousandth, is converted to mm.
for grouping, which represents the standard deviation of a rounded test The result, 1.634 × 25.4 = 41.50 mm, has four significant digits. The
conversion constant, 25.4, is exact.
result by = σ 2 1w 2 /12 where σ is the standard deviation of the
NOTE 4—More extensive discussion of dimensional conversion can be
unrounded test result and w is the rounding interval. The quantity w/ =12 found in IEEE/ASTM SI 10.
is the standard deviation of an error uniformly distributed over the range
w. Rounding so that w is below 0.5 σ ensures that the standard deviation
8.5 Specification Limits—When the rounding method is to
is increased by at most 1 %. apply to given specified limits, it is desirable that the signifi-
cant digits of the specified limits should conform to the
8.4.1 When no estimate of the standard deviation σ is precision of the test following the rule of 8.4. That is, the
known, then rules for retention of significant digits of com- rounding unit for the specification limits should be between
puted quantities may be used to derive a number of significant 0.05 and 0.5 times the standard deviation of the test.
digits to be reported, based on significant digits of test data. 8.6 Averages and Standard Deviations—When reporting the
8.4.1.1 The rule when adding or subtracting test data is that average and standard deviation of replicated measurements or
the result contains no significant digits beyond the place of the repeated samplings of a material, a suggested rule for most
last significant digit of any datum. cases is to round the standard deviation to two significant digits
Examples: and round the average to the same last place of significant
(1) 11.24 + 9.3 + 6.32 = 26.9, since the last significant digit of 9.3 is the first digits. When the number of observations is large (more than 15
following the decimal place, 26.9 is obtained by rounding the exact sum,
26.86, to this place of digits.
when the lead digit of the standard deviation is 1, more than 50
(2) 926 − 923.4 = 3 with lead digit 2, more than 100 in other cases), an additional
(3) 140 000 + 91 460 = 231 000 when the first value was recorded to the digit may be advisable.
nearest thousand.
8.6.1 Alternative approaches for averages include reporting
8.4.1.2 The rule when multiplying or dividing is that the x̄ to within 0.05 to 0.5 times the standard deviation of the
result contains no more significant digits than the value with average σ/ =n , or applying rules for retaining significant digits
the smaller number of significant digits. to the calculation of x̄ . ASTM Manual 7 provides methods for
Examples: reporting x̄ and s for these applications.3
(1) 11.38 × 4.3 = 49, since the factor 4.3 has two significant digits. NOTE 5—A rationale for the suggested rule comes from the uncertainty
(2) (926 − 923.4) ⁄4.3 = 0.6 Only one figure is significant since the numerator of a calculated standard deviation s. The standard deviation of s based on
difference has only one significant digit. sampling from a normal distribution with n observations is approximately
8.4.1.3 The rules for logarithms and exponentials are: Digits σ/ =2n . Reporting s to within 0.05 to 0.5 of this value, following the rule
of 8.4, leads to two significant digits for most values of σ when the number
of ln(x) or log10(x) are significant through the n-th place after
of observations n is 100 or fewer.
the decimal when x has n significant digits. The number of Example: Analyses on six specimens give values of 3.56, 3.88, 3.95,
significant digits of ex or 10x is equal to the place of the last 4.07, 4.21, and 4.47 for a constituent. The average and standard deviation,
significant digit in x after the decimal. unrounded, are x̄ = 4.0233... and s = 0.3089... . The suggested rule would
report x̄ and s as 4.02 and 0.31.
Examples:
(1) ln(3.46) = 1.241 to three places after the decimal, since 3.46 has three 9. Keywords
significant digits.
(2 ) 103.46 = 2900 has two significant digits, since 3.46 is given to two places 9.1 absolute method; conformance; rounding; significant
after the decimal. digits; specifications; test data

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