Convert any number to scientific notation, or type a value in scientific form to expand it. Works both ways and shows the E-notation used by calculators and computers.
Quick answer: On a calculator, an E (or ×10ˣ) means "times ten to the power of." So 1.2E5 = 1.2 × 10⁵ = 120,000 and 4.2E‑3 = 0.0042. That shorthand is scientific notation — the way a scientific calculator displays very large or very small numbers.
Scientific notation writes a number as a coefficient between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of ten.
Scientific notation is a compact way to write very large or very small numbers. Any number is expressed as a coefficient (at least 1 and less than 10) times a power of ten. It makes huge and tiny quantities easier to read, compare and calculate, which is why it is standard in science and engineering.
How scientific notation works
number = m × 10ⁿ, where 1 ≤ |m| < 10 n is positive for large numbers and negative for numbers smaller than 1.
Worked example
12,345 becomes 1.2345 × 10⁴ — the decimal point moves 4 places left. The small number 0.0042 becomes 4.2 × 10⁻³ — the point moves 3 places right, so the exponent is negative.
E-notation
Calculators and programming languages write scientific notation with an "e": 1.2345 × 10⁴ appears as 1.2345e+4, and 4.2 × 10⁻³ as 4.2e-3. The number after the e is the power of ten. This calculator accepts input in either form.
Frequently asked questions
What does E (or e) mean on a calculator?
It stands for "×10 to the power of." The number after the E is the exponent, so 1.2E5 means 1.2 × 10⁵ = 120,000, and 6.02E23 is Avogadro's number. A negative exponent like 4.2E‑3 means a small number, 0.0042. Calculators use it because the display can't fit all the zeros.
What is a scientific calculator?
A calculator with functions beyond basic arithmetic — powers, roots, logarithms, trigonometry (sin, cos, tan) and scientific (E) notation. It's the type students use for algebra, science and engineering, versus a basic four-function calculator.
How does a calculator work?
Key presses are turned into numbers a small processor stores in binary. It runs the arithmetic circuit for +, −, × and ÷, and uses step-by-step algorithms for functions like square roots, logs and trig, then converts the binary answer back to decimal for the display.
How do I convert a number to scientific notation?
Move the decimal point so one non-zero digit is in front of it, then count the moves: that count is the exponent (negative if you moved right).
What is the coefficient?
The coefficient (or mantissa) is the part before the ×10ⁿ. In scientific notation it is at least 1 and less than 10.
Can I type a number in E-notation?
Yes. Enter values like 1.2e5 or 4.2e-3 and the calculator expands them and shows the standard form.
What is the exponent for a number less than 1?
Negative. For example 0.0042 is 4.2 × 10⁻³ because the decimal point moves three places to the right.
