Math

Scientific Notation Converter

Write any number in scientific notation, a × 10ⁿ.

By TheCalcTools Updated Formula checked and tested

Your numbers

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Coefficient (a)
Coefficient (a)
—
Exponent (n)
—
Scientific notation
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Scientific Notation Converter by TheCalcTools

How the Scientific Notation Converter works

Enter any non-zero number.

The exponent is the power of ten that places one non-zero digit before the decimal point.

The coefficient is the number divided by that power of ten.

The formula

x = a × 10ⁿ, with 1 ≤ |a| < 10

Worked example

Using the default values shown in the calculator:

Number123456
  1. The exponent is floor(log₁₀ 123456) = 5.
  2. The coefficient is 123456 ÷ 10⁵ = 1.2346.
  3. So 123456 = 1.2346 × 10^5.

Result:

Coefficient (a)1.2346
Exponent (n)5
Scientific notation1.2346 × 10^5

Frequently asked questions

Why use scientific notation?

It writes very large or very small numbers compactly, such as the speed of light, 2.998 × 10⁸ m/s.

What is E-notation?

Calculators write 1.23E+5 for 1.23 × 10⁵.

Sources and further reading

Exponent CalculatorRaise any number to any power, and see the reciprocal and the equivalent root Logarithm CalculatorFind log base b of x, along with ln(x), log₁₀(x) and log₂(x) Percentage Change CalculatorFind the percentage change from an old value to a new value Ratio Simplifier CalculatorSimplify a ratio A : B to its lowest terms Fraction CalculatorDo arithmetic with two fractions and see the answer in lowest terms Long Division Calculator (Quotient and Remainder)Enter the dividend and divisor

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