Scientific Notation Converter
Convert numbers to and from scientific notation. Enter standard form or scientific notation for instant conversion with examples.
Scientific Notation Converter
Comprehensive Guide & Practice
Master the mathematical principles, formulas, and step-by-step methods with worked examples and FAQs.
1. What Is Scientific Notation?
Scientific notation (also called "standard form" in the UK) is a way of writing very large or very small numbers in a compact, consistent form: a × 10ⁿ, where 1 ≤ a < 10 and n is an integer.
Examples: The speed of light ≈ 3 × 10⁸ m/s. The mass of an electron ≈ 9.109 × 10⁻³¹ kg.
2. Converting to Scientific Notation
Move the decimal point until only one non-zero digit is to the left of it. Count the number of places moved — this is the exponent n. If you moved left, n is positive. If you moved right, n is negative.
Example: 0.0000045 → move decimal 6 places right → 4.5 × 10⁻⁶. Example: 6,500,000 → move decimal 6 places left → 6.5 × 10⁶.
3. Arithmetic in Scientific Notation
- Multiplication: Multiply the coefficients, add the exponents. (3 × 10⁴) × (2 × 10³) = 6 × 10⁷.
- Division: Divide the coefficients, subtract the exponents. (8 × 10⁶) ÷ (4 × 10²) = 2 × 10⁴.
See also: Exponent Calculator | Base Converter | Scientific Notation Guide