In the siunitx package, how do i get it to produce uncertainties with the \pm symbol instead of parenthesis

Question

Using the siunitx package, if I specify an error with the \pm symbol then it automatically converts it to a form using parenthesis. I would like it to not do this and keep the \pm symbol, but still space the elements of the quantity and symbol in a good way.

e.g. \SI{10 \pm 2}{\kelvin} would produce 10(1) k

I would like it to produce: 10\pm1 k or something similar with spacing taken care of.

Answer 1

You want the separate-uncertainty switch, p.30 of the documentation.

\usepackage[separate-uncertainty=true]{siunitx}

sets this format for every number, or

\SI[separate-uncertainty=true]{whatever}

just for one.

Answer 2

I've just come across the same problem and this is how I solved it to my satisfaction:

in the preamble:

\usepackage[separate-uncertainty = true,multi-part-units=single]{siunitx}

in the text:

(\SI{284(10)}{\ampere})

Produces the following output: 284 ± 10 A

If multi-part-units=single option isn't given, the result will look like: ((284 ± 10) A) which, in my opinion, is less than optimal.

HTH