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Scientific Notation

Convert numbers to and from scientific notation. Get normalized, engineering and E-notation forms with your choice of significant figures, all calculated instantly.

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Three notations, one number

Normalized scientific notation keeps one digit before the decimal point (2.998 x 10^8). E-notation writes the same value as 2.998e8 for calculators and code. Engineering notation restricts exponents to multiples of three, lining up with SI prefixes engineers actually use: k, M, G, m, micro and nano.

Significant figures

The significant-figures setting controls rounding precision. Fewer figures give cleaner numbers for presentations; more figures preserve accuracy for computation. The tool accepts input in any form, including values you paste back from a previous result.

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Scientific Notation FAQs

What is the difference between scientific and engineering notation?
Scientific notation uses one digit before the decimal point with any exponent. Engineering notation restricts exponents to multiples of 3, so values align with SI prefixes like kilo, mega and milli.
How do I read 1.23e5?
The e5 means move the decimal point 5 places right: 123,000. A negative exponent like e-3 moves it left, giving 0.00123.
When should I use scientific notation?
For very large or very small numbers where counting zeros is error-prone: astronomy, chemistry, electronics and finance all rely on it.
What are significant figures?
The digits that carry real precision. 2.998 has four significant figures. Trailing zeros after a decimal point count; leading zeros do not.
Can I paste a number that is already in scientific form?
Yes. The input accepts forms like 1.23e5, 4.5E-3 and plain decimals, and converts between all output formats.
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