How Many Significant Figures Are in 500?
500= 1 significant figure (minimum)
Why 500 has 1 sig fig
500 ends in trailing zeros without a decimal point. This makes it ambiguous — the zeros might be significant or they might just be placeholders. At minimum, only the 5 is definitely significant (1 sig fig). The number could also have 2 or 3 sig figs if the zeros are meaningful.
Rule applied
Trailing zeros in whole numbers without a decimal point are ambiguous (Rule 5). See full rule →
How to remove the ambiguity in 500
⚠️ This number is ambiguous as written
To remove ambiguity: 500. = 3 sig figs. 5.0 × 10² = 2 sig figs. 5 × 10² = 1 sig fig.