Scientific Notation Converter
Convert a decimal number to scientific notation, or expand scientific notation back into a plain decimal.
Reviewed by the WorldCalcs team · Methodology · Last reviewed: June 2026
Decimal to scientific
Result
1.2345 × 104
E-notation: 1.2345E4
Scientific to decimal
Result
0.00056
What is scientific notation?
Scientific notation is a compact way to write very large or very small numbers. A number is written as a coefficient between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of ten — for example, 12 345 becomes 1.2345 × 10⁴, and 0.00056 becomes 5.6 × 10⁻⁴. It is widely used in science and engineering to keep long strings of zeros manageable.
How the conversion works
To convert a decimal to scientific notation, move the decimal point until one non-zero digit remains in front of it, and count the moves: that count is the exponent, positive if the number was large and negative if it was small. To go back, multiply the coefficient by ten raised to that exponent, moving the decimal point the other way. E-notation, such as 1.2345E4, is the same value written for calculators and computers.
Example
12 345 has its decimal point moved four places to the left, giving 1.2345 × 10⁴. The small number 0.00056 has its point moved four places to the right, giving 5.6 × 10⁻⁴. Reversing 5.6 × 10⁻⁴ returns 0.00056.
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Results are estimates and may contain errors — for general information only, not professional advice. Always verify before relying on them. Disclaimer
How to use
Use the top section to turn a plain decimal into scientific notation — enter the number and read the coefficient, exponent and E-notation. Use the bottom section to expand scientific notation back to a decimal by entering the coefficient and exponent.