Scientific Notation Calculator
Convert big and small numbers to and from scientific notation.
Why scientific notation exists
Scientists and engineers write very large and very small numbers as a coefficient between 1 and 10, multiplied by a power of 10. It is shorter and easier to compare: the speed of light is about 3 × 108 m/s rather than 300,000,000.
Example
123,456 to 4 significant figures is 1.235 × 105. Small numbers use negative powers: 0.00042 is 4.2 × 10−4.
E notation
Calculators and spreadsheets write the same thing as 1.235E5, where E means “times ten to the power of”. Significant figures control how much of the number is kept, and the coefficient is rounded to match.
Frequently asked questions
What are significant figures?
They are the digits that carry meaning in a number, counting from the first non-zero digit. Fewer significant figures means a shorter, rounder number.
How do I write a negative power?
Enter a negative power of 10 in the second tab, such as −4, to get small numbers.
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