Scientific Notation Converter

Scientific notation expresses numbers as a × 10^n, where 1 ≤ a < 10. For example, 6,500,000 = 6.5 × 10⁶ and 0.00042 = 4.2 × 10⁻⁴. It makes very large or small numbers easier to read and compare.

Move the decimal point until you have a number between 1 and 10. Count the positions moved — that is the exponent. Moving left gives a positive exponent, right gives negative. 0.00056 → 5.6 × 10⁻⁴ (moved 4 places right).

Multiply the coefficients and add the exponents: (3 × 10⁴) × (2 × 10³) = 6 × 10⁷. If the coefficient exceeds 10, adjust: (5 × 10³) × (4 × 10²) = 20 × 10⁵ = 2.0 × 10⁶.

E notation is a computer-friendly form of scientific notation. 6.5E6 means 6.5 × 10⁶ = 6,500,000. 4.2E-4 means 4.2 × 10⁻⁴ = 0.00042. Most programming languages and spreadsheets use this format.

First convert to the same exponent, then add coefficients. (3.2 × 10⁴) + (5.1 × 10³) = (3.2 × 10⁴) + (0.51 × 10⁴) = 3.71 × 10⁴. The calculator handles all arithmetic operations automatically.