Scientific Notation Converter — Scientific ↔ Standard & Engineering

How Scientific & Engineering Notation Work

Large and tiny numbers can be hard to read at a glance. This scientific notation converter helps you switch between standard decimal form, scientific notation, and engineering notation so values are clear, consistent, and easy to compare. It is useful for students, scientists, engineers, and anyone working with measurements like distance, mass, time, or data size. It also helps format values for homework, lab reports, and technical notes.

Scientific notation writes a number as \(a \times 10^n\), where \(1 \le a < 10\) and \(n\) is an integer. That format keeps the important digits up front while the exponent shows how many places the decimal point moves. For example, \(5{,}200\) becomes \(5.2 \times 10^3\), and \(0.000031\) becomes \(3.1 \times 10^{-5}\).

Engineering notation uses the same idea, but forces the exponent to be a multiple of 3 so it matches SI prefixes like kilo (k), mega (M), milli (m), and micro (µ). That makes it especially convenient when reading instrument displays or lab reports. For instance, \(0.0047\) becomes \(4.7 \times 10^{-3}\), which aligns with “milli.”

Significant figures show precision. A value typed as 1.2300 carries five significant figures, while 1.23 has three. The converter keeps or applies significant figures based on your selection, helping you present results with the right level of accuracy.

How to use this calculator:

1. Enter a number in decimal form or E-notation (for example, 3.1e-5).
2. Choose how significant figures should be handled.
3. View the scientific and engineering notation outputs along with the coefficient and exponent.
4. Use the copy buttons to paste results into reports or spreadsheets.

Real-world uses: convert lab measurements, compare astronomical distances, express tiny electrical currents, or standardize large data sizes. When numbers get unwieldy, notation conversion keeps them readable and helps prevent transcription errors.