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: D6026 − 21

Standard Practice for

Using Significant Digits and Data Records in Geotechnical
Data1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6026; 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.

1. Scope* a project’s many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the

1.1 Using significant digits in geotechnical data involves the title means only that the document has been approved through
processes of collecting, calculating, and recording either mea- the ASTM consensus process.
sured values or calculated values (results) or both. This practice 1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
is intended to promote uniformity in recording significant dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
digits for measured and calculated values involving geotech- ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
nical data. Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.2 The guidelines presented are industry standard and are
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
representative of the significant digits that should be retained in
general. The guidelines do not consider material variation, the 2. Referenced Documents
purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
considerations for the user’s objectives, and it is common
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data
Fluids
to be commensurate with these considerations.
D2435/D2435M Test Methods for One-Dimensional Con-
1.3 It is beyond the scope of this practice to consider solidation Properties of Soils Using Incremental Loading
significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering D4186/D4186M Test Method for One-Dimensional Consoli-
design. dation Properties of Saturated Cohesive Soils Using
1.4 This practice accepts a variation of the traditional Controlled-Strain Loading
rounding method that recognizes the algorithm common to E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
most hand-held calculators and computers, see 6.2.3. The Determine Conformance with Specifications
traditional rounding method (see 6.2) is in accordance with E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
Practice E29, ASTM Manual 7, or IEEE/ASTM SI 10. E833 Terminology of Building Economics
NOTE 1—Calculators and computers often present and use many digits IEEE/ASTM SI 10 Standard for Use of the International
in their output and calculations, which may not all be significant. It is the System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
responsibility of the programmer and user to make sure that the measured MNL7 ASTM Manual 7 on Presentation of Data and Control
and calculated values are handled, interpreted and reported properly using
these guidelines.
Chart Analysis
1.5 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing 3. Terminology
one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace 3.1 Definitions—For common definitions of soil and rock
education or experience and should be used in conjunction terms in this standard, refer to Terminology D653.
with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice may
be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not 3.2 This terminology standard contains many definitions
intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which that are applicable to this standard in a grouping named
the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, Measurement Grouping. These terms are: accuracy, bias,
nor should this document be applied without consideration of estimation, meaningful number/digit or significant number/
digit, observation/observed value or data point/recorded value,
precision, resolution or readability, sensitivity, signal noise or
1
noise.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rockand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.91 on Standards
2
Development and Review. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved June 15, 2021. Published June 2021. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D6026 – 13. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D6026-21. the ASTM website.

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

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

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 D6026 − 21
3.3 Other definitions that are relevant to this topic of data total density and water content using a nuclear gauge meeting
management or presentation or both are given below. the requirements specified in the apparatus section of this
3.4 Definitions: standard.”
3.4.1 significant digit/number/figure, n—any of the integers 3.6.2 read or reading(s), n—the act or process of quantify-
one through nine and zeros except leading zeros and some ing an instrument(s); such as dial gauge, burette, multimeter,
trailing zeros. transducer, or data acquisition system. See observation/
3.4.1.1 Discussion—Zero is a significant digit if it comes observed value or data point/recorded value, mentioned above
between two non-zero integers. in 3.2.
3.6.2.1 Discussion—A typical example is: “Read and record
3.4.1.2 Discussion—Zeros, after a decimal point and lead-
the dial gauge measuring the change in the height of the test
ing the first nonzero digit of a number, indicate the order of
specimen during consolidation at time intervals and meeting
magnitude only and are not significant digits. For example, the
the requirements specified in this standard.” For usage of a data
number 0.0034 has two significant digits.
acquisition system: “Read and record, at intervals specified in
3.4.1.3 Discussion—Zeros trailing the last nonzero digit for this standards the transducer’s measuring the applied axial
numbers represented with a decimal point are significant digits. force, axial displacement, and cell pressure applied to the test
For example, 4.00 and 4.01 have three significant digits. specimen along with the internal pore-water pressure in the test
3.4.1.4 Discussion—The significance of trailing zeros for specimen.”
numbers represented without the use of a decimal point can
only be identified from a knowledge of the source of the value. 3.6.3 calculation or calculated value, n—the act or process
of using an equation which converts a measured value(s) into
3.4.2 sensitivity analysis, n—a test of the outcome of an another define quantity, without interpolation.
analysis by altering one or more parameters from an initially 3.6.3.1 Discussion—Some examples being: converting di-
assumed or initial test value(s). ameter to area or diameter and height to volume, or mass,
3.4.2.1 Discussion—Sensitivity analyses are often related to height, and diameter to density.
the design process, but not exactly applied in that design 3.6.4 determine or determined value, n—the act or process
process. A sensitivity analysis might include how measured of quantifying measured or calculated or both value(s) into
shear strength or hydraulic conductivity varies with molding another value(s) that requires judgment based on education,
water content or percent compaction, or both. training, or experience.
3.4.3 test result, n—the value obtained by applying a given 3.6.4.1 Discussion—A simplified example is: “Determine
test method, expressed as a single measurement or a specified the preconsolidation stress based on the test results from a
combination of a number of measurements, calculations, or any consolidation test (either Test Method D2435/D2435M or
combination. D4186/D4186M).”
3.4.4 variability analysis, n—the determination of the varia-
tion in test results or property values (index or engineering) 4. Summary of Practice
within a given boundary condition(s). 4.1 The user follows a set of guidelines that allow making
3.4.4.1 Discussion—A variability analysis might include decisions and actions that promote uniformity in the retention,
how a given property varies with depth. rounding, and recording of significant digits for measured and
calculated values involving geotechnical data.
3.5 Data Processing Grouping, the following four defini-
tions cover how one should cover the collection or processing 4.2 The programmer and user make sure that the numbers
of test data. are handled, interpreted, and reported accordingly for any
specific requirements and caveats in the geotechnical standard
3.6 Definitions:
for which the data were obtained.
3.6.1 measurement or measured value, n—the act or process
of quantifying a physical measurement; such as time, 5. Significance and Use
acceleration, dimension (length, diameter, depth, and
circumference), force, mass, pressure, and velocity. This pro- 5.1 The guidelines presented in this practice for retaining
cess would also include in many test methods the calculation of significant digits and rounding numbers may be adopted by the
basic quantities which do not require any judgment, such as using agency or user. Their adoption should generally be used
water content, void ratio, density, unit weight, stress, and to calculate and record data when specified requirements are
strain. See read or reading and determination. not included in a standard.
3.6.1.1 Discussion—A typical example is: “Measure and 5.2 While this practice originated when most geotechnical
record the height, diameter, and mass of the test specimen and data were manually collected and recorded on data forms,
calculate its density, in accordance with the requirements tables, or into computers, the use of digital acquisition,
specified in this standard. or simply state Measure the density calculations, and reporting of data has become more common.
or water content.” However, in some standards, the apparatus When calculators and computers are used for data collection,
specified internally makes the necessary measurements and the significant digits may not meet the requirements specified
calculations and displays a test result(s), such as a nuclear in this standard. Nevertheless, their use shall not be regarded as
gauge. In such cases, an example is: “Measure and record the nonconforming with this practice.

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 D6026 − 21
5.3 The guidelines presented herein should not be inter- lator and computer values is done when reporting the test result
preted as absolute rules but as guides to calculate and report after all calculations have been completed. See Note 1.
observed or test data without exaggerating or degrading the 6.2.4 The numbers to be reported are rounded at the end of
precision of the values. calculations to the appropriate number of significant digits, not
5.3.1 The guidelines presented emphasize recording data to prior to the calculations. (See 6.4.)
enough significant digits or the number of decimal places to 6.3 Recording Measured Data—When recording measured
allow sensitivity and variability analyses to be performed. values, as in reading marks on a burette, ruler, or dial, record
all known digits exactly, plus one digit, which may be
6. Guidelines for Rounding Numbers in Calculating and
uncertain due to estimation.
Recording Data
6.3.1 When the measuring device has a vernier scale, record
6.1 General Discussion—Rounding data avoid the mislead- the last digit from the vernier.
ing impression of precision while preventing the loss of 6.3.2 The number of significant digits displayed by a digital
information due to coarse resolution. Any approach to retention display or printout from an instrument should not be greater
of significant digits of necessity involves some loss of infor- than, but equal to the precision of the sensor to which it is
mation; therefore, the level of rounding should be selected connected. However, most digital apparatus record and/or
carefully considering both planned and potential uses for the display digits that are affected by “noise.” Therefore, there
data. (See Practice E29.) needs to be some form of documentation specifying which
6.2 Rounding Numbers—When a numerical value is to be digits are meaningful/significant. For example, one could tape
rounded to fewer digits than the total number available, use the over displayed digits that are not meaningful or in the heading
following procedure shown in Table 1, per Practice E29, of tabulated data, one could write/type “1st four digits are
ASTM Manual 7 on Presentation of Data and Control Chart sufficient.”
Analysis, or IEEE/ASTM SI 10: 6.4 Calculation of Measured Data—When measured values
6.2.1 The rounded value should be obtained in one step by are used in the calculations, avoid rounding of intermediate
direct rounding of the most precise value available and not in quantities. As far as practicable with the calculation device or
two or more successive rounding steps. For example, 89 490 data sheet/form used, or both, carry out calculations exactly as
rounded to the nearest 1000 is at once 89 000. It would be they occur (no reduced digits) and round the final value/result.
incorrect to round first to the nearest 100, giving 89 500 and
then to the nearest 1000, giving 90 000. 6.5 Recording Data—The recorded data should conform to
6.2.2 The same rule applies when rounding a number with instructions in the respective standards. For example, recording
many digits to a number with a few digits. This typically occurs the computed water content values used in measuring the liquid
when using a computer or calculator that displays the com- and plastic limits of a soil on the data sheet/form to the nearest
puted answer as ten or more digits, and the answer is to be 0.1 %, see Table A1.1. While the liquid and plastic limits are
recorded to a few digits. For example, the number 2.34567 recorded, reported, or summarized to the nearest whole number
rounded to two significant digits would be 2.3. and the percent designation is omitted.
6.2.3 Calculators and computers, in general, do not follow 6.5.1 If the number of significant digits or number of
all the rules given in 6.2, (that is, only rounding up odd digits decimal places in the measured and calculated value(s) is not
followed by a five, while even digits stay the same (2.55 to 2.6 specified in the respective standard, then one may use the
or 2.45 to 2.4)) and generally always round up. Recognizing following approach. Use Table A1.1 to select the number of
the widespread use of calculators and computers that always significant digits or number of decimal places in the calculated
round up, their use shall not be regarded as nonconforming value(s). Using that value(s) and the rules of significant digits
with this practice. When carrying out computer calculations, do as described in Section 7, select the required significant digits
not perform intermediate rounding. Computations performed or number of decimal places for the measured value(s).
with spreadsheets or computer programs hold real numbers in 6.5.2 If a standard has a conflict between the measured and
double precision, about 17 digits, so concern about rounding calculated value(s) related to significant digits or the number of
during computation is largely unnecessary. Rounding of calcu- decimal places, then use the following criterion. The criterion
specified for calculated value(s) should govern how the mea-
sured value(s) is selected and recorded.
TABLE 1 Procedures and Examples of Rounding to Two
Significant Digits 7. Guidelines for Retaining Significant Digits in
When the first digit The digit in the last Calculating and Recording Data
beyond the last place place retained is: Examples
to be retained is:
7.1 Upon completion of mathematical calculations, use the
<5 unchanged 2.445 to 2.4 following rules as guidelines to select the proper number of
>5 increased by 1 2.464 to 2.5 significant digits or decimal places of rounded numbers.
Exactly 5 increased by 1 2.55 to 2.6
if it is odd or 7.1.1 The rule when multiplying or dividing is that the result
unchanged if it is even 2.45 to 2.4 shall contain no more significant digits than the value with the
5 followed only same as above 2.5500 to 2.6 smaller number of significant digits. Examples include:
by zeros for exactly 5 or
2.4500 to 2.4 7.1.1.1 11.38 × 4.3 = 49, since the factor 4.3 has two sig-
nificant digits.

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 D6026 − 21
7.1.1.2 Calculate the volume, V, of an object having a base 8. Guidelines for Applicability to Committee D18
area, A, of 28.48 in.2 and a height, h, of 6.12 in., Standards
V = Ah = (28.48 in.2) (6.12 in.) = 174 in.3, the answer to three 8.1 If the rounding method of Section 6 is to apply to all
significant figures in agreement with the height measurement. data in the standard, and if all numbers expressed in the
7.1.2 The rule when adding or subtracting data is that the standard are to conform to the guidelines for significant digits
number of decimal places in the result is the same as in the as described in Section 7, then a statement similar to the
number containing the fewest digits following the decimal. following should be included in the scope of the standard:
Examples include: 8.1.1 All observed and calculated values shall conform to
7.1.2.1 11.24 + 9.3 + 6.32 = 26.9, since the last significant the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
digit of 9.3 is the first following the decimal place, and 26.9 Practice D6026unless superseded by this standard. (Add the
results by rounding the exact sum, 26.86. last italicized portion only if there are exceptions to Practice
7.1.2.2 (926 − 923.4) = 3. D6026.)
7.1.2.3 (926 − 923.4)/4.3 = 0.6. Only one figure is signifi-
8.2 If results are to be compared with specification limits, a
cant since the numerator difference has only one significant
statement similar to the following should be included in the
digit. This is an important factor to consider when recording
scope section of the standard:
and checking a calculated value(s) that include a difference(s),
8.2.1 For purposes of comparing a measured or calculated
see Note 2.
value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated
NOTE 2—Typical examples of calculated values which include a value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant
difference(s) are water content, void ratio, deformation, degree of digits in the specified limits. (Add this section only if it is
saturation, and specific gravity.
applicable.)
7.1.3 The rules for logarithms and exponentials are: digits
NOTE 3—In preparing statement 8.2.1, the author might want to replace
of ln(x) or log10 (x) are significant through the nth place after “measured or calculated value” with the appropriate name of that value(s)
the decimal when x has n significant digits. The number of given in the standard.
significant digits of ex or 10x is equal to the place of the last
8.3 If there is a report section, then the following caveats
significant digit in x after the decimal. Examples include:
should be included if applicable:
7.1.3.1 ln(3.46) = 1.241 to three places after the decimal 8.3.1 Scope Section of the Standard—Add this caveat after
since 3.46 has three significant digits. the caveats for 8.1 and 8.2: The procedures used to specify how
7.1.3.2 103.46 = 2 900 has two significant digits, since 3.46 data are collected/recorded or calculated in this standard are
is given to two places after the decimal. regarded as the industry standard. Also, they are representative
7.1.4 When an exact count is used in a calculation with a of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The
number, the number of significant digits in the result is the procedures used do not consider material variation, the purpose
same as the number of significant digits in the number. For for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consid-
example, the sum of two measurements was found to be 8.24 erations for the user’s objectives, and it is common practice to
in. To find the average value, this sum must be divided by two. increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
In this case, however, two is not a measurement but an exact commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope
count. Therefore, 8.24 in./2 = 4.12 in. Since 8.24 has three of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis
significant digits, the results also contain three significant methods for engineering design.
digits. 8.3.2 Report Section of the Standard—add the following
7.1.5 To preserve accuracy in calculations using constants, caveat; The methodology used to specify how data are re-
or conversion factors with measured values, these non–mea- corded on the test data sheet(s)/form(s), as given below, is
sured values should retain at least one more significant digit covered in 1.X1 and Practice D6026.
than the measured number. For example, compute the inside
circumference, C, of a mold having an inside measured 9. Keywords
diameter, d, of 6.025 in. The example calculation, having a 9.1 data; data management; determination value; measure-
constant value and a measured quantity, is: ment value; recording data; rounding numbers; significant
C 5 π 3 d 5 π 3 ~ 6.025 in.! 5 ~ 3.1416! 3 ~ 6.025 in.! 5 18.93 in. digits; test result

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 D6026 − 21
ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. RECOMMENDED ROUNDING FOR PROCESSING GEOTECHNICAL DATA

A1.1 See Table A1.1 below.

TABLE A1.1 Recommended Rounding for Processing Geotechnical Data A

Common Units Expressed to Nearest Decimal
Geotechnical Property
SI Inch-Pound or Significant Digits B
Index and Related Properties
Atterberg Limits Nearest whole number
Density, total/moist and dry g/cm3, Mg/m3, kg/m3 slugs/ft3, lbm/ft3 C 3 or 4 significant digits D
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 0.1 or 1 E
Engineering and Related Properties
Angle of shear resistance Degrees Degrees Nearest 0.1
Axial strain % % 3 significant digits F
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 (∆e, ∆ εa, ∆ ε~) to (∆stress or ∆log 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 digits F
Preconsolidation stress kN/m2, kPa psi, ksf 2 significant digits
Stress or pressure kN/m2 psi, ksf 3 significant 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 the 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 a 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 jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock, because Committee D18 has decided to use the gravitational
system of inch-pound units; that is, a pound represents a unit of force not mass.
D
If four significant digits are required, the dimensions of specimens must be measured to four significant digits; that is, typically to the nearest 0.01 mm 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 or 1 percent yield four or three significant digits, respectively, 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.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D18 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (D6026 –
13) that may impact the use of this standard. (June 15, 2021)

(1) Added “and Data Records” to title. (6) Added Note 1 about significant digits when using comput-
(2) Moved subsection 1.1.1 up to subsection 1.1—Separated ers.
into subsections and ended 1.1 with first sentence from the (7) Revised scope to include new ASTM International caveat.
original 1.1; then renumbered accordingly. (8) Section 2—Deleted reference to E344, no longer needed
(3) Deleted 1.1.1. due to other changes.
(4) Deleted first sentence of 1.4 and made last sentence of 1.3 (9) Added reference MNL7 ASTM Manual 7 on Presentation
and renumbered sections. of Data and Control Chart Analysis.
(5) Subsection 1.4—Added “and computers.”

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 D6026 − 21
(10) The entire Terminology section was revised significantly (20) Changed “to produce a calculated value(s)”, to “are used
to fit with D18.93 terminology subcommittee guidelines. in the calculations”
(11) Added Section 4—Summary of Practice section and (21) Subsections 6.6 to 7.2—Minor rewording like “deter-
renumbered subsequent sections as needed after that. mine” changed to “select.”
(12) Subsection 5.1—Cleared up some wording. (22) Subsection 7.1.1.2—Corrected units from in. to in.3
(13) Added subsection 5.2. (23) Subsection 7.1.5—Changed “example calculation is” and
(14) In 5.3, changed “accuracy” to “precision.” added units to the formula.
(15) Subsection 5.3.1—Minor English changes. (24) Updated Section 8 (previously Section 7) to agree with
(16) Subsection 6.2—Added reference to ASTM Manual 7 on content related to this standard in the current version of the
Presentation of Data and Control Chart Analysis. D18 Standards preparation manual.
(17) After subsection 6.2, added a title to the table TABLE 1 (25) Added 5.2—While this practice originated when most
Procedures and Examples of Rounding to Two Significant
geotechnical data were collected manually and record on
Digits and moved to be after 6.3.
tables, data forms, or entered into computers, its use and
(18) Minor changes to 6.2.2.
importance are still and maybe even more relevant to digital
(19) Added to end of section 6.2.3—“When carrying out
computer calculations, do not perform intermediate rounding. acquisition, calculation, and reporting of data.
Computations performed with spreadsheets or computer pro- (26) Renumbered sections and links as needed.
grams hold real numbers in double precision, about 17 digits, (27) Table A1.1—Footnote D changed “have to” to “must” and
so concern about rounding during computation is largely some minor spelling errors were fixed in the table and the
unnecessary. Rounding of calculator and computer values is footnotes.
done when reporting the test result after all calculations have (28) Other minor spelling or punctuation edits as needed.
been completed. See Note 1.”

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