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.
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.