How is scientific notation written?

As a×10ⁿ with 1 ≤ |a| < 10 — for example 3500000 = 3.5×10⁶ and 0.00042 = 4.2×10⁻⁴.

1×10⁶ = 1000000. Type 1e6 into the box to see the plain form.

How does engineering notation differ?

Its exponent is always a multiple of 3, so 35000 becomes 35×10³, lining up with prefixes such as k (kilo) and M (mega).

How do I count significant figures?

Start at the first non-zero digit; trailing zeros in a whole number do not count, but trailing zeros after a decimal point do. The tool reports the count for your input.

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🔬Scientific Notation Converter - Standard Form, E Notation and Engineering

Q: What does 1e6 mean?

1×10⁶ = 1000000. Type 1e6 into the box to see the plain form.

Q: How does engineering notation differ?

Its exponent is always a multiple of 3, so 35000 becomes 35×10³, lining up with prefixes such as k (kilo) and M (mega).

Q: How do I count significant figures?

Start at the first non-zero digit; trailing zeros in a whole number do not count, but trailing zeros after a decimal point do. The tool reports the count for your input.

Turn very large or very small numbers into a×10ⁿ, or expand scientific notation back into a plain number. You also get engineering notation (exponent a multiple of 3, with k/M/G prefixes), the value rounded to your chosen significant figures, and how many significant figures the input has.

Free · No sign-up · Runs in your browserLast updated: 2026-10-26

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How to use Scientific Notation

1Type a plain number (3500000) or scientific notation (3.5e6, 3.5×10^6)
2Choose how many significant figures to keep
3Read the scientific, plain and engineering forms

FAQ

How is scientific notation written?: As a×10ⁿ with 1 ≤ |a| < 10 — for example 3500000 = 3.5×10⁶ and 0.00042 = 4.2×10⁻⁴.
What does 1e6 mean?: 1×10⁶ = 1000000. Type 1e6 into the box to see the plain form.
How does engineering notation differ?: Its exponent is always a multiple of 3, so 35000 becomes 35×10³, lining up with prefixes such as k (kilo) and M (mega).
How do I count significant figures?: Start at the first non-zero digit; trailing zeros in a whole number do not count, but trailing zeros after a decimal point do. The tool reports the count for your input.