Scientific notation converter
Type a number, written normally (0.000123) or already with a power of 10 (1.23e-4). You can also set the number of significant figures.
Result
1.23 × 10⁻⁴Scientific notation
- E notation (calculator, spreadsheet)
- 1.23e-4
- Engineering notation (exponent a multiple of 3)
- 123 × 10⁻⁶
- Decimal form
- 0.000123
- Significant figures
- 3
- Exponent (order of magnitude)
- -4
Inputs
- Number
- 0.000123
- Significant figures
- 0
How it is calculated
Move the decimal point so only one non-zero digit sits before it: 1 ≤ |a| < 10.
Result
Scientific notation
- E notation (calculator, spreadsheet)
- 1.23e-4
- Engineering notation (exponent a multiple of 3)
- 123 × 10⁻⁶
- Decimal form
- 0.000123
How it is calculated
- Move the decimal point so only one non-zero digit sits before it: 1 ≤ |a| < 10.
- The exponent n counts how many places the point moved (negative when it moves right).
- In engineering notation the exponent is a multiple of 3 (kilo, milli, micro…).
- With fixed significant figures, the number is rounded half up.
Example
0.000123 = 1.23 × 10⁻⁴ (E notation: 1.23e-4; engineering: 123 × 10⁻⁶), 3 significant figures.
Good to know
- The conversion is exact on the digits typed, with no floating-point step.
- The decimal form is not shown when the exponent is beyond ±100.
- Do not group thousands with commas: a single comma is read as a decimal mark.
When to use it
- Write very large or small numbers in a more readable form.
- Compare scientific, E and engineering notation in calculations.
Frequently asked questions
What is this tool used for?
Type a number, written normally (0.000123) or already with a power of 10 (1.23e-4). You can also set the number of significant figures.
How is the result calculated?
Move the decimal point so only one non-zero digit sits before it: 1 ≤ |a| < 10.
What should I check before using the result?
The conversion is exact on the digits typed, with no floating-point step.