  Magnetic anisotropy is a crucial characteristic for enhancing spintronic
device performance. The synthesis of SmCrGe$_3$ single crystals through a
high-temperature solution method has led to the determination of uniaxial
magnetocrystalline anisotropy. Phase verification was achieved using scanning
transmission electron microscopy (STEM), powder, and single-crystal X-ray
diffraction techniques. Electrical transport and specific heat measurements
indicate a Curie temperature ($T_C$) of approximately 160 K, while
magnetization measurements were utilized to determine the anisotropy fields and
constants. Curie-Weiss fitting applied to magnetization data suggests the
contribution of both Sm and Cr in the paramagnetic phase. Additionally, density
functional theory (DFT) calculations explored the electronic structures and
magnetic properties of SmCrGe$_3$, revealing a significant easy-axis single-ion
Sm magnetocrystalline anisotropy of 16 meV/f.u.. Based on the magnetization
measurements, easy-axis magnetocrystalline anisotropy at 20 K is 13 meV/f.u..
