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Scientific Notation Calculator

Convert numbers to and from scientific notation. Also shows E-notation and engineering notation.

What is Scientific Notation Calculator?

A scientific notation calculator converts any number — no matter how large or small — into scientific notation (a coefficient between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of 10), and can also convert back from scientific notation to a standard decimal number. It also shows E-notation (used in programming) and engineering notation (exponent is always a multiple of 3).

How to use

  1. 1 Choose a mode: 'To Scientific Notation' to convert a standard number, or 'From Scientific Notation' to convert back.
  2. 2 In 'To Scientific Notation' mode, enter any decimal number (e.g. 0.00456 or 12300000).
  3. 3 In 'From Scientific Notation' mode, enter the coefficient (1–9.999…) and the exponent separately.
  4. 4 Results appear instantly showing scientific notation, E-notation, and engineering notation.

Formula

Scientific notation: N = a × 10ⁿ, where 1 ≤ |a| < 10. Engineering notation: same but n is a multiple of 3 (e.g. 4.56 × 10⁻³ becomes 4.56 × 10⁻³ which is already a multiple of 3, while 45.6 × 10⁻³ uses n = −3 with a = 0.0456). E-notation: a × 10ⁿ is written as aEn.

Example calculation

0.00456 → 4.56 × 10⁻³ (scientific), 4.56E-3 (E-notation), 4.56 × 10⁻³ (engineering). 12,300,000 → 1.23 × 10⁷ (scientific), 1.23E7, 12.3 × 10⁶ (engineering).

Frequently asked questions

What is scientific notation?

Scientific notation expresses a number as a coefficient between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of 10. For example, 93,000,000 is written as 9.3 × 10⁷.

What is the difference between scientific and engineering notation?

In scientific notation the coefficient is between 1 and 10. In engineering notation the exponent is always a multiple of 3 (matching SI prefixes like kilo, mega, milli, micro), so the coefficient can range from 1 to 999.

What does E-notation mean?

E-notation is how scientific notation is written in calculators and programming languages. '4.56E-3' means 4.56 × 10⁻³.

How do I convert a very small number like 0.000007?

Count the places you move the decimal right until you get a number ≥1 and <10. 0.000007 → 7.0 × 10⁻⁶ (moved 6 places right, so exponent is −6).

Can the coefficient be negative?

Yes. For negative numbers like −0.00456, the coefficient is −4.56 and the exponent is −3, giving −4.56 × 10⁻³.