What is the difference of using significant figures and making accurate measurements?

Significant figures represent the precision of a measurement by indicating which digits are reliable and meaningful, while accurate measurements refer to how close a measured value is to the true value. Using significant figures helps convey the level of uncertainty inherent in a measurement, ensuring that results are reported with appropriate precision. In contrast, accuracy focuses on the correctness of the measurement itself, regardless of how many significant figures are used. Both concepts are essential in scientific reporting, but they address different aspects of measurement quality.