Scientific Notation Converter
Convert numbers between decimal form and scientific notation (e.g. 1.5×10⁶).
Tip: Scientific notation expresses the number as a × 10ⁿ where 1 ≤ a < 10. E.g. 1,500,000 = 1.5 × 10⁶.
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About this digital tool
The scientific notation converter writes any very large or very small number as a product of a number between 1 and 10 and a power of 10. Enter the number and get the scientific notation as well as the decimal form. The number must be valid and non-zero.
The format is a × 10ⁿ, where 1 ≤ a < 10. For 123456 the decimal point moves 5 places to the left, so 1.23456 × 10⁵. For 0.00045 the point moves 4 places to the right, so 4.5 × 10⁻⁴. A positive exponent indicates a large number, a negative one a small number. It is used in physics, chemistry, astronomy, engineering and scientific calculators to avoid long strings of zeros.
How to use
- Enter the large or small number in the "Number" field.
- Read the scientific notation in the form a × 10ⁿ.
- See the decimal form to compare with the original number.
- If an error appears, check that the number is not zero and is valid.
Frequently asked questions
Why is scientific notation used?
For very large or very small numbers — it makes them more compact and easier to compare. E.g. 0.000003 = 3 × 10⁻⁶.
How do I write 0.00045 in scientific notation?
Move the point 4 places to the right to get 4.5 and write a negative exponent: 4.5 × 10⁻⁴.
How do I convert 3.2 × 10⁴ into an ordinary number?
Move the point 4 places to the right: 3.2 × 10⁴ = 32000. For a negative exponent move left, e.g. 3.2 × 10⁻² = 0.032.
What does a negative exponent show?
It shows that the number is smaller than 1. E.g. 10⁻³ = 0.001, so 5 × 10⁻³ = 0.005.