To write a number in scientific notation, express it as a number between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of ten. The Scientific Notation Converter converts either way: enter a plain decimal or a value like 3.2e5 and it fills in the other form.
Follow along with the free Scientific Notation Converter, which runs in your browser, or browse more tools in this category.
How to use the Scientific Notation Converter
- Enter a number in decimal or scientific form.
- Read the converted form.
- Check the exponent for sign and size.
- Copy the result.
Worked example
45,000 is 4.5 x 10^4, and 0.00032 is 3.2 x 10^-4.
Tips and common mistakes
- Move the decimal point until one non-zero digit remains to the left of it; the number of moves is the exponent.
- Moving left gives a positive exponent, right gives a negative one.
- Calculators often show it as 4.5e4.
Frequently asked questions
What does e mean in 4.5e4?
It means times ten to the power, so 4.5e4 is 4.5 x 10^4 = 45,000.
Why use scientific notation?
It makes very large and very small numbers easier to read and compare.
Is it private?
Yes.