A scientific notation converter switches numbers between standard decimal form (0.000000123) and scientific form (1.23 × 10⁻⁷) — used in physics, chemistry, astronomy, finance, and any context where numbers span huge or tiny scales.
This guide covers the formats, when to use each, and significant figures.
Convert Scientific Notation — Free
Decimal, scientific, engineering, SI prefix conversions. Significant figures.
Notation Formats
| Format | Example | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 0.000000123 | Everyday math |
| Scientific (× 10ⁿ) | 1.23 × 10⁻⁷ | Math papers, textbooks |
| E-notation | 1.23e-7 | Calculators, code |
| Engineering | 123 × 10⁻⁹ | Engineering (exponent multiple of 3) |
| SI prefix | 123 nano | Lab equipment, datasheets |
How Conversion Works
Decimal → Scientific: Move the decimal point until exactly one non-zero digit is to its left. Count moves; positive if moved left, negative if moved right.
0.000045 → move 5 right → 4.5 × 10⁻⁵
4500000 → move 6 left → 4.5 × 10⁶Scientific → Decimal: Move the decimal point right (positive exponent) or left (negative exponent) by the exponent value.
Engineering Notation
Like scientific notation but the exponent must be a multiple of 3 (matching SI prefixes: kilo, mega, micro, nano).
| Decimal | Scientific | Engineering | SI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 | 1.5 × 10³ | 1.5 × 10³ | 1.5 k |
| 0.000001 | 1.0 × 10⁻⁶ | 1.0 × 10⁻⁶ | 1.0 µ |
| 0.0001 | 1.0 × 10⁻⁴ | 100 × 10⁻⁶ | 100 µ |
Engineers use this because circuit values map directly to SI prefix labels.
Significant Figures
Scientific notation makes significant figures unambiguous:
500— 1, 2, or 3 sig figs (ambiguous)5.0 × 10²— exactly 2 sig figs5.00 × 10²— exactly 3 sig figs
This is why scientific papers always express measurements in scientific form — precision is unambiguous.
Common Scientific Numbers
| Quantity | Value |
|---|---|
| Speed of light | 2.998 × 10⁸ m/s |
| Avogadro's number | 6.022 × 10²³ |
| Planck constant | 6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s |
| Electron mass | 9.109 × 10⁻³¹ kg |
| Earth-Sun distance | 1.496 × 10¹¹ m |
| Atomic radius | 1.0 × 10⁻¹⁰ m |
How to Use the Tool (Step by Step)
- 1
Pick Direction
Decimal → scientific, or scientific → decimal.
- 2
Enter Number
In any standard or e-notation form.
- 3
Pick Output Format
Standard, scientific, engineering, or SI prefix.
- 4
Set Significant Figures
How many digits to keep.
- 5
Convert
See result instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between scientific and engineering notation?+−
Engineering uses exponents that are multiples of 3 (matching kilo, mega, etc.). Scientific allows any integer exponent.
How do I write 0.0034 in scientific notation?+−
3.4 × 10⁻³, or 3.4e-3 in calculator/programming form.
Why do calculators use "e" instead of "× 10ⁿ"?+−
Easier to type. 1.23e-7 means 1.23 × 10⁻⁷. Both are equivalent.
How many significant figures should I keep?+−
Match your measurement precision. Lab data often has 3-4; engineering 2-3; finance 2 decimals.
Can negative numbers use scientific notation?+−
Yes — −1.5 × 10⁴ = −15,000. The negative goes on the coefficient, not the exponent.
Convert Scientific Notation — Free
Decimal, scientific, engineering, SI prefix conversions. Significant figures.
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