Scientific notation converter
Enter a normal number (like 0.000452 or 6020000) or one in scientific notation (like 6.02e23 or 6.02 × 10^23). The tool shows every form and counts the significant figures.
How to useWrite any number as a power of 10.
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Scientific notation converter: what it is for
The tool converts any number to scientific notation (a × 10ⁿ) and also reads numbers already written in scientific notation or in the E notation of calculators, like 6.02e23. It shows E notation, engineering notation (exponents that are multiples of 3), the number written out and the order of magnitude.
The significant figures are highlighted one by one, and you can round the number to 1 to 6 significant figures, as physics and chemistry exercises ask.
How to use
- Enter the number, normal or in scientific notation.
- See the result as a power of 10 and in the other notations.
- Choose how many significant figures to round to.
When to use it
- Physics, chemistry and maths exercises.
- Counting the significant figures of a measurement.
- Turning a calculator’s E notation into a power of 10.
Frequently asked questions
What is scientific notation?
It writes a number as a × 10ⁿ, with a from 1 up to (but not including) 10. For example, 6,020,000 = 6.02 × 10⁶ and 0.000452 = 4.52 × 10⁻⁴. It is a short way to write very large or very small numbers.
How do you count significant figures?
Every non-zero digit counts, plus zeros between them and trailing zeros after the decimal point. Leading zeros never count: 0.00450 has 3 significant figures (4, 5 and the last 0). In whole numbers like 1500 the trailing zeros are ambiguous; write 1.500 × 10³ to show there are 4.
Is it really free?
Yes, 100% free. No sign-up, no subscription and no usage limits. All Tools123 are free.