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Scientific Notation Calculator

Convert a decimal number into scientific and engineering notation, with a chosen number of significant figures.

Your inputs

Adjust the example values, then calculate.

Your result

Review your calculated values below.

Ready when you are.

Choose Calculate to see your result.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter your values in the labeled fields, keeping the displayed units.
  2. Choose Calculate or press Enter in a single-line field.
  3. Review the result and the assumptions below before using it.

Formula and method

Scientific notation writes a nonzero number as a × 10^n with 1 ≤ |a| < 10. Engineering notation uses an exponent divisible by three.

Worked example

123456 becomes 1.23456 × 10^5 in scientific notation and 123.456 × 10^3 in engineering notation.

What the result assumes

Uses JavaScript floating-point numbers. Extremely small or large inputs must stay within the finite numeric range; output is rounded to your chosen precision.

Common question

Can I enter a number such as 1.2e-6?

Yes. The number field accepts exponent notation in browsers that support it; 0.0000012 is equivalent.