How this calculator works
Scientific notation writes a number as m × 10ⁿ, where m is at least 1 and less than 10. 0.0000456 becomes 4.56 × 10⁻⁵.
The exponent counts how many places the decimal point moves: right for small numbers (negative exponent), left for large ones (positive).
E notation is the calculator and spreadsheet version: 4.56e-5.
Engineering notation uses exponents in multiples of 3, matching unit prefixes like milli, micro and mega: 45.6 × 10⁻⁶.
Worked example
0.000045600
- Move the decimal point 5 places right: 4.5600.
- Scientific notation: 4.56 × 10⁻⁵.
- Significant figures: 5, because trailing zeros after the decimal point count.
Questions people ask
How do I enter E notation?
Type it directly, such as 6.022e23 or 4.56e-5; the calculator reads both forms.
How do significant figures work?
All non-zero digits count, zeros between them count, leading zeros don’t, and trailing zeros count only after a decimal point.
How do I multiply numbers in scientific notation?
Multiply the front numbers and add the exponents: (2 × 10³)(3 × 10⁴) = 6 × 10⁷.
Why use engineering notation?
Its exponents line up with SI prefixes, so 45.6 × 10⁻⁶ seconds reads directly as 45.6 microseconds.
Last reviewed October 2, 2026