Scientific Notation Converter — Scientific ↔ Standard & Engineering

Convert numbers between standard form and scientific notation \(a \times 10^n\), or engineering notation (exponent multiple of 3). 100% client-side.

Input & Formatting

Tips: commas are ignored; use e (e.g., 1.2e5) or ×10^.

Results

Standard (decimal):
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Scientific (a × 10^n):
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Engineering (a × 10^n):
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Coefficient (a):
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Exponent (n):
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Significant figures:
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Tip: Use E-notation like 3.1e-5 for quick entry.

How Scientific & Engineering Notation Work

Scientific notation writes numbers as \(a \times 10^n\) where \(1 \le a < 10\) and \(n\) is an integer. Example: \(5{,}200 = 5.2 \times 10^3\).

Engineering notation is similar, but n must be a multiple of 3 so it lines up with SI prefixes (k, M, G, m, µ, n…). Example: \(0.0047 = 4.7 \times 10^{-3}\) (milli).

  • Significant figures indicate precision: entering 1.2300 implies 5 sig figs.
  • E-notation is the computer-friendly form: 3.1e-5 = \(3.1 \times 10^{-5}\).
  • The converter preserves or applies sig figs according to your selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does “auto” sig figs work?

We infer significant figures from your typed number (e.g., trailing zeros after a decimal point count as significant).

What formats can I paste?

Examples: 123000, 0.000031, 6.022×10^23, 4.57 x 10^-3, 4.57e-3.

Is everything private?

Yes — all conversions run in your browser.

5 Fun Facts about Scientific Notation

Engineering loves multiples of 3

Engineering notation locks exponents to multiples of 3 so SI prefixes line up: k (10³), M (10⁶), µ (10⁻⁶), n (10⁻⁹), etc.

SI-friendly

Sig figs carry meaning

“1.200 × 10³” implies four significant figures; “1.2 × 10³” implies two. Zeros after a decimal point signal precision.

Precision clue

E-notation predates spreadsheets

Programmers used “E” for exponents on early calculators. 6.02e23 is just \(6.02 \times 10^{23}\) without the caret or superscript.

Computer shorthand

Move the dot, count the jumps

To convert standard to sci, move the decimal so the coefficient is 1–9.999…, then count jumps for the exponent. Left jumps → positive exponents, right → negative.

Mental method

Multiplying? Add exponents

\((a \times 10^m) \times (b \times 10^n) = (ab) \times 10^{m+n}\). Scientific notation makes order-of-magnitude math quick.

Fast math

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