Designation: D 6026 – 06

Standard Practice for

Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 6026; 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.

1. Scope* D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained

1.1 This practice is intended to promote uniformity in Fluids
recording significant digits for measured and calculated values D 2905 Practice for Statements on Number of Specimens
involving geotechnical data. The guidelines presented are for Textiles
industry standard, and are representative of the significant D 4356 Practice for Establishing Consistent Test Method
digits that should generally be retained. The guidelines do not Tolerances
consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, D 6913 Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Grada-
special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s tion) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis
objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce E 29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with Determine Conformance with Specifications
these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this practice to E 344 Terminology Relating to Thermometry and Hydrom-
consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engi- etry
neering design.. E 456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
1.1.1 Using significant digits in geotechnical data involves E 833 Terminology of Building Economics
the processes of collecting, calculating, and recording either IEEE/ASTM SI 10 Standard for Use of the International
measured values or calculated values (results), or both. System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
1.2 This practice accepts a variation of the traditional 3. Terminology
rounding method that recognizes the algorithm common to
most hand-held calculators, see 5.2.3. The traditional rounding 3.1 Definitions:
method (see 5.2) is in accordance with Practice E 29 or 3.1.1 For common definitions of soil and rock terms in this
IEEE/ASTM SI 10. standard, refer to Terminology D 653.
1.3 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing 3.1.2 accuracy, n—the degree of agreement of an individual
one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace measurement or average of measurements with an accepted
education or experience and should be used in conjunction reference value, or level. See Terminology E 344 - 97
with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice may 3.1.3 calculated value, n—the resulting value determined
be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not by processing measured value(s) using an equation. See
intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which Practice D 4356 - 84(Reapproved 1996).
the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, 3.1.3.1 Discussion—In many cases the calculated value(s)
nor should this document be applied without consideration of is considered a determination value(s).
a project’s many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the 3.1.4 determination value, n—the numerical quantity calcu-
title of this document means only that the document has been lated by means of the test method equation from the measure-
approved through the ASTM consensus process. ment values obtained as directed in a test method. See Practice
D 4356 - 84(Reapproved 1996).
2. Referenced Documents 3.1.5 measurement value, n—the resulting value determined
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 by measuring a dimension, quantity, or property.
3.1.5.1 Discussion—In many cases the term “measured
value(s)” is also referred to as “measurement value(s)”. See
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Practice D 4356 - 84(Reapproved 1996).
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.91 on Standards 3.1.6 precision, n—the closeness of agreement between
Development and Review.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2006. Published December 2006. Originally independent test results obtained under stipulated conditions.
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as D 6026–01e1. See Terminology E 456 - 96.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 3.1.6.1 Discussion—Precision depends on random errors
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
and does not relate to the true or specified value.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

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 D 6026 – 06
3.1.6.2 Discussion—The measure of precision usually is 5. Guidelines for Rounding Numbers in Calculating and
expressed in terms of imprecision and computed as a standard Recording Data
deviation of the test results. Less precision is reflected by a
5.1 General Discussion—Rounding data avoids the mis-
larger standard deviation.
leading impression of precision while preventing the loss of
3.1.6.3 Discussion—“Independent test results” means re-
information due to coarse resolution. Any approach to retention
sults obtained in a manner not influenced by any previous
of significant digits of necessity involves some loss of infor-
result on the same or similar test object. Quantitative measures
mation; therefore, the level of rounding should be selected
of precision depend critically on the stipulated conditions.
carefully considering both planned and potential uses for the
Repeatability and reproducibility conditions are particular sets
data. See Practice E 29.
of extreme conditions.
3.1.7 rounding, n—the process of reducing the number of 5.2 Rounding Numbers—When a numerical value is to be
digits in a number according to rules relating to the required rounded to fewer digits than the total number available, use the
accuracy of the value. following procedure which is in accordance with Practice E 29
3.1.8 significant digit—any of the integers one through nine or IEEE/ASTM SI 10:
and zeros except leading zeros and some trailing zeros. When the first digit The digit in the last
beyond the last place place retained is: Examples
3.1.8.1 Zero is a significant digit if it comes between two to be retained is:
non-zero integers. <5 unchanged 2.445 to 2.4
3.1.8.2 Zeros leading the first nonzero digit of a number
>5 increased by 1 2.464 to 2.5
indicate the order of magnitude only and are not significant
Exactly 5 increased by 1 2.55 to 2.6
digits. For example, the number 0.0034 has two significant if it is odd or
digits. unchanged if it is even 2.45 to 2.4
3.1.8.3 Zeros trailing the last nonzero digit for numbers 5 followed only same as above 2.5500 to 2.6
represented with a decimal point are significant digits. For by zeros for exactly 5 or
example, 4.00 and 4.01 have three significant digits. 2.4500 to 2.4

3.1.8.4 The significance of trailing zeros for numbers rep- 5.2.1 The rounded value should be obtained in one step by
resented without use of a decimal point can only be identified direct rounding of the most precise value available and not in
from knowledge of the source of the value. two or more successive rounding steps. For example, 89 490
3.1.9 test result, n—the value obtained by applying a given rounded to the nearest 1000 is at once 89 000. It would be
test method, expressed as a single determination or a specified incorrect to round first to the nearest 100, giving 89 500 and
combination of a number of determinations. See Practice then to the nearest 1000, giving 90 000.
D 2905 - 91.
5.2.2 The same rule applies when rounding a number with
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
many digits to a number with a few digits as occurs when using
3.2.1 sensitivity analysis, n—a test of the outcome of an
a computer or calculator that displays the answer to a compu-
analysis by altering one or more parameters from an initially
tation as ten or more digits and the answer is to be recorded to
assumed value(s). See Terminology E 833 - 97b.
a few digits. For example, the number 2.34567 rounded to two
3.2.1.1 Discussion—Sensitivity analyses are often related to significant digits would be 2.3.
the design process, but not exactly applied in that design
process. A sensitivity analysis might include how measured 5.2.3 Calculators and computers, in general, do not follow
shear strength or hydraulic conductivity varies with molding all the rules given in 5.2, (that is, only rounding up odd digits
water content and percent compaction. followed by a five, while even digits stay the same (2.55 to 2.6
3.2.2 variability analysis, n—the determination of the varia- or 2.45 to 2.4)) and generally always round up. Recognizing
tion in values within a given boundary condition(s) the widespread use of calculators and computers that always
3.2.2.1 Discussion—A variability analysis might include round up, their use shall not be regarded as nonconforming
how a given property varies with depth. with this practice.
5.2.4 The numbers to be reported are rounded at the end of
4. Significance and Use calculations to the appropriate number of significant digits, not
prior to the calculations (See section 5.4.
4.1 The guidelines presented in this practice for retaining
significant digits and rounding numbers may be adopted by the 5.3 Recording Measured Data—When recording measured
using agency or user. Generally, their adoption should be used values, as in reading marks on a burette, ruler, or dial, record
for calculating and recording data when specified requirements all digits known exactly, plus one digit, which may be
are not included in a standard. uncertain due to estimation.
4.2 The guidelines presented herein should not be inter- 5.3.1 When the measuring device has a vernier scale, record
preted as absolute rules but as guides to calculate and report the last digit from the vernier.
observed or test data without exaggerating or degrading the 5.3.2 The number of significant digits given by a digital
accuracy of the values. display or printout from an instrument should be greater than or
4.2.1 The guidelines presented emphasize recording data to equal to the sensor to which it is connected. Care should be
enough significant digits or number of decimal places to allow taken not to record digits beyond the precision of the sensor,
sensitivity and variability analyses to be performed, see 3.2. however. For example, using a pressure transducer with the
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 D 6026 – 06
precision of 1 kPa should not be read to the nearest 0.1 kPa factor to consider when recording and checking a calculated
because the readability of the output instrument displays more value(s) that include a difference(s), see Note 1.
digits.
NOTE 1—Typical examples of calculated values which include a
5.4 Calculation of Measured Data—When using measured difference(s) are water content, void ratio, deformation, degree of satura-
values to produce a calculated value(s), avoid rounding of tion, and specific gravity.
intermediate quantities. As far as practicable with the calcula-
tion device or data sheet/form used, or both, carry out 6.1.3 The rules for logarithms and exponentials are: digits
calculations exactly as they occur (no reduced digits) and of ln(x) or log10( x) are significant through the nth place after
round the final value/result. the decimal when x has n significant digits. The number of
5.5 Recording Data—The recorded data should conform to significant digits of ex or 10x is equal to the place of the last
instructions in the respective standards. For example, the significant digit in x after the decimal. Examples include:
computed water content values used in determining the liquid 6.1.3.1 ln(3.46) = 1.241 to three places after the decimal,
and plastic limits of a soil are recorded on the data sheet/form since 3.46 has three significant digits.
to the nearest 0.1 %, see Table A1.1. While the liquid and 6.1.3.2 103.46 = 2,900 has two significant digits, since 3.46
plastic limits are recorded, reported, or summarized to the is given to two places after the decimal.
nearest whole number and the percent designation is omitted. 6.1.4 When an exact count is used in a calculation with a
5.5.1 If the number of significant digits or number of number, the number of significant digits in the result is the
decimal places in the measured and calculated value(s) is not same as the number of significant digits in the number. For
specified in the respective standard, then one may use the example, the sum of two measurements was found to be 8.24
following approach. Use Table A1.1 to determine the number in. To find the average value, this sum must be divided by two.
of significant digits or number of significant digits or number In this case, however, two is not a measurement but an exact
of decimal places in the calculated value(s). Using that value(s) count. Therefore, 8.24 in./2 = 4.12 in. Since 8.24 has three
and the rules of significant digits as described in Section 6, significant digits, the results also contain three significant
determine the required significant digits or number of decimal digits.
places for the measured value(s). 6.1.5 To preserve accuracy in calculations using constants,
5.5.2 If a standard has a conflict between the measured and or conversion factors with measured values, these non–mea-
calculated value(s) related to significant digits or number of sured values should retain at least one more significant digit
decimal places, then use the following criterion. The criterion than the measured number. For example, compute the inside
specified for calculated value(s) should govern how the mea- circumference, C, of a mold having an inside diameter, d, of
sured value(s) is determined and recorded. 6.025 in. The example calculation is:
C 5 pd 5 p 3 ~6.025! 5 ~3.1416! 3 ~6.025! 5 18.93 in.
6. Guidelines for Retaining Significant Digits in
Calculating and Recording Data 7. Guidelines for Applicability to Committee D-18
Standards
6.1 Upon completion of mathematical calculations, use the
following rules as guidelines to determine the proper number 7.1 If the rounding method of Section 5 is to apply to all
of significant digits or decimal places of rounded numbers. data in the standard, and if all numbers expressed in the
6.1.1 The rule when multiplying or dividing is that the result standard are to conform to the guidelines for significant digits
shall contain no more significant digits than the value with the as described in Section 6, then a statement similar to the
smaller number of significant digits. Examples include: following should be included in the scope of the standard:
6.1.1.1 11.38 3 4.3 = 49, since the factor 4.3 has two sig- 7.1.1 All measured and calculated values shall conform to
nificant digits. the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
6.1.1.2 Determine the volume, V, of an object having a base Practice D 6026.
area, A, of 28.48 in. 2 and a height, h, of 6.12 in., V = Ah 7.2 If results are to be compared with specification limits, a
= (28.48 in.2) (6.12 in.) = 174, the answer to three significant statement similar to the following should be included in the
figures in agreement with the height measurement. procedure or report section of the standard:
6.1.2 The rule when adding or subtracting data is that the 7.2.1 For purposes of comparing a measured or calculated
number of decimal places in the result is the same as in the value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated
number containing the fewest digits following the decimal. value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant
Examples include: digits given in the specification limits in accordance with the
6.1.2.1 11.24 + 9.3 + 6.32 = 26.9, since the last significant provisions of Practice D 6026.
digit of 9.3 is the first following the decimal place, and 26.9 NOTE 2—In preparing this statement, the author might want to replace
results by rounding the exact sum, 26.86. “measured or calculated value” with the appropriate name of that value(s)
6.1.2.2 (926 − 923.4) = 3. given in the standard
6.1.2.3 (926 − 923.4) x 11.38 x 4.68/2.00 = 70, not 69 or
69.2 since there is only one significant digit in the difference. 8. Keywords
This means, although there is a minimum of three significant 8.1 data; data management; determination value; measure-
digits in the input values, you could only record or expect to ment value; recording data; rounding numbers; significant
check the result to one significant digit. This is an important digits; test result
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 D 6026 – 06

ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. Recommended Rounding for Processing Geotechnical Data

A1.1 See table below.

Recommended Rounding for Processing Geotechnical DataA

Common Units
Expressed to Nearest
Geotechnical Property SI Inch-Pound Decimal or Significant
DigitsB
Index and Related Properties
Atterberg Limits Nearest whole number
Density, total/moist and dry g/cm3, Mg/m3, kg/m3 slugs/ft3, lbm/ft3C 3 or 4 significant digitsD
Effective particle diameter mm in. 2 or 3 significant digits
Percent passing (gradation) % % Nearest 0.1 or whole
number
Percent/Relative Compaction % % Nearest 0.1
Relative density % % Nearest 0.1
Specific gravity 3 significant digits
Unit weight, total/moist and dry kN/m3 lbf/ft3 3 or 4 significant digits
Void ratio or porosity 2 or 3 significant digits
Water content % % Nearest 0.1E
Engineering and Related Properties
Angle of shear resistance degrees degrees Nearest 0.1
Axial strain % % 3 significant digitsF
Coefficient of consolidation m2/s, m2/day, m2/y ft2/day, ft2/y 2 significant digits
Cohesion kN/m2, kPa psi,ksf 2 significant digits
Compression indexes ratio of (De, D e a, D e~) to (Dstress or Dlog stress) 2 or 3 significant digits,
but #4 decimal places
Hydraulic head cm or m of H20 in. or ft of H20 3 significant digits
Hydraulic conductivity m/s, m/day, m/y ft/day, ft/y 2 or 3 significant digits
Moduli kN/m2, kPa psi, ksf 3 significant digits
Percent consolidation % Nearest 0.1
Pore pressure parameters 3 significant digitsF
Preconsolidation stress kN/m2, kPa psi, ksf 2 significant digits
Stress or pressure kN/m2 psi, ksf 3 siginificant digitsF
Velocity m/s ft/s 3 significant digits
A
The significant digits and nearest decimal places presented in this table are not directly related to the precision with which the data can or should be applied in design
or other uses, or both. How one applies or transmits the results obtained using standards under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on soil and Rock are usually not
within their scope, unless specified otherwise. However, it is common practice to use fewer significant digits in design and transmittal of data than given above.
B
For studies involving a specialized application(s), more significant digits or decimal places might be required than recommended above. Since there is such diverse
application of sensitivity studies, a range of significant digits is given in some cases.
C
This unit should not be used in standards under the jurisdicition of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock, because Committee D18 has decided to use the
gravitational system of inch-pound units; i.e. a pound represents a unit of force not mass.
D
If four significant digits are required, the dimensions of specimens have to be measured to four significant digits; i.e., typically to the nearest 0.01mm or 0.001 in. In
addition, if the total density is calculated based on a dry density and water content, the dry density requires four significant digits and the water content (not in percent)
to three decimal places.
E
Recording the water content to the nearest 0.1 percent yield four significant digits in the calculation of one plus the water content (not in percent),even if the water
content is greater than 99.9 percent.
F
At the start of loading, there might not be enough significant digits to have the prescribed significant digits in the calculated value(s). However, it is acceptable practice
to record those calculated values with fewer than the number of significant digits given above without being in nonconformance with this practice
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SUMMARY OF CHANGES

In accordance with Committee D18 policy, this section identifies the location of changes to this standard since
the 2001 edition that may impact the use of this standard

(1) Section 5.2.4 was added to further clarify section 5.4. (3) On Table A1.1, Recommended rounding for Percent pass-
(2) On Table A1.1, Recommended rounding for Atterberg ing (gradation) “or whole number” was added. This change
limits was changed from “nearest whole unit in %” to “nearest was necessary so that this standard was in agreement with the
whole number”. This change was necessary so that this new sieve standard, D 6913.
standard was in agreement with the new sieve standard D 6913.

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