Scientific Notation Calculator

Convert numbers to and from scientific notation and calculate sums, differences, products and quotients with significant figures.

Convert and calculate numbers in scientific notation

Use this calculator to convert ordinary numbers to coefficient-times-power-of-ten form or calculate directly with e notation.

The result identifies the coefficient, base-10 exponent, standard form and the significant figures in the first input.

Features

  • Standard number to scientific notation conversion.
  • Scientific notation to standard number conversion.
  • Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division using e notation.
  • Selectable significant-digit output.
  • Clear coefficient and exponent reporting.

Example expressions

  • 5670000
  • 0.000042
  • 1.23e6
  • 3e5 * 2e-3
  • 4.5e8 / 9e2
  • 2.1e4 + 3.4e4

Related formulas

  • Scientific notation: a × 10^n, where 1 ≤ |a| < 10.
  • Multiplication: (a × 10^m)(b × 10^n) = ab × 10^(m+n).
  • Division: (a × 10^m)/(b × 10^n) = (a/b) × 10^(m−n).

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter a standard number or e notation such as 1.23e6.
  2. Choose Convert only or select an arithmetic operation and enter a second number.
  3. Choose the number of significant digits, then calculate.

Common input mistakes

  • The coefficient in normalized scientific notation should have an absolute value from 1 up to, but not including, 10.
  • The letter e in 1.2e5 means ×10^5; it is not Euler's number in this calculator.
  • Division by zero is undefined.

FAQ

What does 1.23e6 mean?

It means 1.23 × 10^6, which is 1,230,000.

Can I calculate with scientific notation?

Yes. Enter e notation in either number field and choose add, subtract, multiply or divide.

What are significant figures?

They are the meaningful digits in a measured number, beginning with the first non-zero digit.

Does this use Euler's number e?

No. On this page e is the standard input shorthand for a power of ten.

Related calculators