Scientific Notation Converter
Convert between standard and scientific notation
Scientific Notation
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What is scientific notation?
Scientific notation expresses very large or very small numbers as a coefficient (1 ≤ n < 10) multiplied by a power of 10. For example, 0.000042 = 4.2 × 10⁻⁵ and 6,300,000 = 6.3 × 10⁶. It is the standard in science, engineering, astronomy, and chemistry.
Formula used
To convert to scientific notation:
1. Move decimal point until 1 ≤ number < 10
2. Count places moved = exponent
3. Moved left → positive exponent; right → negative
Examples:
5,400,000 = 5.4 × 10⁶ (moved 6 places left)
0.00042 = 4.2 × 10⁻⁴ (moved 4 places right)
How to use this calculator
- Standard to Scientific tab: type any number — result updates instantly
- Scientific to Standard: enter coefficient and exponent, click Convert
Example
Examples — Standard to Scientific:
| Standard form | Scientific notation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 300,000,000 | 3 × 10⁸ | Speed of light (m/s) |
| 0.000000001 | 1 × 10⁻⁹ | 1 nanometre |
| 1,400,000,000 | 1.4 × 10⁹ | India's population |
| 6,022 × 10²⁰ | 6.022 × 10²³ | Avogadro's number |
Frequently asked questions
Multiply coefficients and add exponents: (3×10⁴) × (2×10³) = 6×10⁷.
Convert to the same exponent first, then add: 3×10⁴ + 2×10³ = 3×10⁴ + 0.2×10⁴ = 3.2×10⁴.
3.5E6 = 3.5 × 10⁶ = 3,500,000. The E stands for exponent. It is the same as scientific notation, just written differently.