Scientific Notation Converter
Convert numbers to and from scientific notation. Instantly express large and small numbers in standard form.
About this calculator
Type any number, in decimal form or in scientific form such as 6.2e6, and see it in scientific notation, E notation and plain decimal form, together with the coefficient and exponent.
A quick way to check a physics or chemistry answer or to make sense of a calculator display that shows E notation.
How to use it
- Enter a number, for example 6200000 or 6.2e6.
- Read the scientific notation, E notation, decimal form, exponent and coefficient.
Format
Scientific notation is a × 10ⁿ, with the coefficient a between 1 and 10. E notation is the same value written aEn. Decimal form groups digits with commas.
Worked example
123456
| Scientific | 1.23456 × 10⁵ |
| E notation | 1.23456e5 |
| Decimal | 123,456 |
| Exponent / coefficient | 5 / 1.23456 |
Tips and common mistakes
- Use e notation in spreadsheets and code: 1.2e-3 is 0.0012.
- Check the sign of the exponent.
- Round the coefficient to the significant figures you need.
- Powers of ten are shown as 10 raised to n.
- Very long decimals can be hard to read; scientific form is clearer.
Frequently asked questions
How do I write 123456 in scientific notation?
1.23456 × 10⁵.
What is E notation?
A text form of scientific notation, 1.23456e5.
How do I convert back to a normal number?
Move the decimal point by the exponent.
What is the coefficient?
The part between 1 and 10.
Can negative numbers be used?
Yes, the sign sits in the coefficient.
What is 1e-3?
0.001.