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Scientific Notation Converter Convert between decimal and scientific notation, with E-notation display and arithmetic operations.

Scientific Notation Converter illustration
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Scientific Notation Converter

Convert between decimal and scientific notation, with E-notation display and arithmetic operations.

1

Choose Mode

Convert to scientific notation, to decimal, or perform arithmetic.

2

Enter Values

Input a decimal number, or coefficient and exponent.

3

View Results

See the value in scientific notation, E-notation, and decimal form.

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What Is Scientific Notation Converter?

The Scientific Notation Converter handles conversions between standard decimal numbers and scientific notation (a × 10ⁿ). In "To Scientific" mode, enter any decimal number to see its scientific notation and E-notation forms. In "To Decimal" mode, enter a coefficient and exponent to see the full decimal number. The arithmetic mode lets you perform basic operations (add, subtract, multiply, divide) between two numbers in scientific notation, with the result displayed in all three formats. This tool is essential for working with very large or very small numbers in science and engineering.

Why Use Scientific Notation Converter?

  • Three modes: to scientific, to decimal, and arithmetic
  • Shows scientific notation, E-notation, and decimal formats
  • Arithmetic operations directly in scientific notation
  • Handles very large and very small numbers accurately

Common Use Cases

Science

Work with physical constants and measurements in scientific notation.

Engineering

Convert between decimal and engineering notation for calculations.

Education

Practice scientific notation conversions for math and science classes.

Data Science

Interpret E-notation values in datasets and analysis outputs.

Technical Guide

Scientific notation expresses a number as a × 10ⁿ, where 1 ≤ |a| < 10 and n is an integer. Conversion: n = floor(log₁₀(|x|)), a = x / 10ⁿ. E-notation is the computer representation: 1.5e3 = 1.5 × 10³. Arithmetic in scientific notation: Multiplication: (a₁ × 10^n₁) × (a₂ × 10^n₂) = (a₁ × a₂) × 10^(n₁+n₂). Division: similar with n₁−n₂. Addition/subtraction require matching exponents first. The calculator normalizes results to standard form (1 ≤ |coefficient| < 10) after operations.

Tips & Best Practices

  • 1
    In scientific notation, the coefficient must be ≥ 1 and < 10
  • 2
    E-notation: 1.5e6 means 1.5 × 10⁶ = 1,500,000
  • 3
    Negative exponents indicate small numbers: 1.5e-3 = 0.0015
  • 4
    For multiplication, multiply coefficients and add exponents

Related Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Q What is scientific notation?
Scientific notation expresses numbers as a coefficient (1-9.999...) multiplied by a power of 10. For example, 300,000 = 3 × 10⁵ and 0.0045 = 4.5 × 10⁻³.
Q What is E-notation?
E-notation is the computer representation of scientific notation. "1.5e6" means 1.5 × 10⁶. The "e" stands for "exponent" (times 10 to the power of).
Q How do I multiply in scientific notation?
Multiply the coefficients and add the exponents: (2 × 10³) × (3 × 10⁴) = 6 × 10⁷.
Q How do I add in scientific notation?
Convert to the same exponent first, then add coefficients: (2.5 × 10³) + (3.0 × 10⁴) = (0.25 × 10⁴) + (3.0 × 10⁴) = 3.25 × 10⁴.
Q What is the difference between scientific and engineering notation?
Scientific notation: exponent is any integer. Engineering notation: exponent is always a multiple of 3, corresponding to SI prefixes (kilo, mega, giga, etc.).

About This Tool

Scientific Notation Converter is a free online tool by FreeToolkit.ai. All processing happens directly in your browser — your data never leaves your device. No registration or installation required.