Online Scientific Notation Converter
Convert between standard decimal numbers and scientific / E-notation instantly to handle extremely large or small numbers.
Enter a standard number to convert it to scientific form.
Awaiting Input
The Rules of Standard Form
Understanding how numbers are formatted using the base-10 system.
The Coefficient
The base number before the multiplier MUST be equal to or greater than 1, and strictly less than 10. For example, 4.5 works, but 45.0 does not.
The Base
The coefficient is всегда multiplied by a power of 10. This indicates how many places the decimal has shifted from the standard form.
The Exponent
A positive exponent pushes the decimal to the right (magnifying the number), while a negative exponent pushes it left (creating a tiny fraction).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Scientific Notation?
Scientific notation is a way of writing very large or very small numbers compactly. It's written as the product of a decimal number between 1 and 10 (the coefficient) and a power of 10. For example, 1,200,000 is written as 1.2 × 10⁶.
Why do we use it?
Scientists, engineers, and mathematicians use it to make working with extreme numbers much easier. It prevents mistakes from losing track of long strings of zeros, like the mass of an electron (0.0000000000000000000000000000009109 kg) which becomes 9.109 × 10⁻³¹ kg.
What is E-notation (like 5e4)?
E-notation is a shorthand used by computers and calculators where the "× 10^" is replaced by the letter "e" or "E" (meaning exponent). So, 5.2 × 10⁴ is written simply as 5.2e4.
How do negative exponents work?
A negative exponent means the number is a decimal between 0 and 1. It tells you how many places to move the decimal point to the left. For example, 3.5 × 10⁻³ equals 0.0035.
More Arithmetic & Math Tools
Explore more calculators to help you format, convert, and solve complex numbers.
Significant Figures Calculator
Calculate the number of significant figures in a number and perform operations with correct sig figs.
Binary Calculator
Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on binary numbers.
Long Division Calculator
Find the quotient, remainder, and decimal result of any division problem automatically.
Factor Calculator
Find all factors, factor pairs, and the prime factorization of any positive integer.
Desmos Scientific Calculator
Perform advanced mathematical operations including trigonometry and logarithms.
Base Converter
Convert numbers between decimal, binary, hex, and octal numeral systems.
Suggested hashtags: #scientificnotation #math #calculator #education #science