Scientists and engineers use scientific notation to write very large and very small numbers compactly.
How to use the Scientific Notation Calculator
- Number
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
The exponent n is the whole-number part of log₁₀|x|; the coefficient is x divided by 10ⁿ.
What each result means
- Power of ten (n) = floor(log10(abs([Number])))
- Coefficient (a) = [Number] ÷ 10^[Power of ten (n)]
- Engineering exponent = floor([Power of ten (n)]÷3)×3
- Engineering coefficient = [Number] ÷ 10^[Engineering exponent]
Formula
x = a × 10ⁿ, 1 ≤ |a| < 10Worked example
Inputs — Number: 0.000452.
Results — Power of ten (n) = -4; Coefficient (a) = 4.52; Engineering exponent = -6; Engineering coefficient = 452.
Key terms
- Engineering notation
- Scientific notation with exponents that are multiples of 3.
Frequently asked questions
How do I read 4.52 × 10⁻⁴?
Move the decimal point four places left: 0.000452.
What is E notation?
Calculators write 4.52E-4 for 4.52 × 10⁻⁴.
What formula does the Scientific Notation Calculator use?
x = a × 10ⁿ, 1 ≤ |a| < 10.