Scientific Notation Calculator
Convert between decimal numbers and scientific notation. Enter a decimal to get scientific notation, or enter a coefficient and exponent to get the decimal form. See also Exponent Calculator and Log Calculator.
How to Convert to Scientific Notation
Scientific notation expresses numbers as a coefficient between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of 10. To convert a decimal number: move the decimal point until you have a number between 1 and 10, then count how many places you moved it. That count becomes the exponent. Moving left gives a positive exponent (large numbers); moving right gives a negative exponent (small numbers).
Scientific Notation Formula
Scientific notation: a × 10^n
where 1 ≤ |a| < 10 and n is an integer
E-notation: aE+n or aE-n
(used in programming and calculators)
To convert decimal → scientific:
Move decimal point to get 1 ≤ |a| < 10
n = number of places moved (+ for left, − for right)
Example
Convert 123,456,789 to scientific notation
Move decimal 8 places left: 1.23456789
= 1.23456789 × 10^8
E-notation: 1.23456789e+8
Frequently Asked Questions
What is E-notation?
E-notation is a compact way to write scientific notation used in programming and calculators. Instead of "× 10^", it uses "E" or "e". For example, 3.14 × 10^8 is written as 3.14E+8 or 3.14e8.
When should I use scientific notation?
Scientific notation is useful for very large numbers (like the speed of light: 3 × 10^8 m/s) or very small numbers (like atomic sizes: 1 × 10^-10 m). It makes these numbers easier to read, compare, and calculate with.
What is the coefficient in scientific notation?
The coefficient (also called the significand or mantissa) is the number before the "× 10^n" part. In standard scientific notation, it must be between 1 (inclusive) and 10 (exclusive). For example, in 6.022 × 10^23, the coefficient is 6.022.
How do I multiply numbers in scientific notation?
Multiply the coefficients and add the exponents. For example: (2 × 10^3) × (3 × 10^4) = 6 × 10^7. If the resulting coefficient is ≥ 10, adjust by moving the decimal and incrementing the exponent.