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Convert Numbers to Standard Form Instantly

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How to Write Numbers in Standard Form with Step-by-Step Solutions

Standard Form Calculator – Free Online Tool with Formula, Steps & Examples

Standard Form Calculator

What is Standard Form Calculator?

The Standard Form Calculator is a free online maths tool from Vedantu that helps you quickly convert any number—big or small—into standard form (also called scientific notation). Standard form expresses numbers in the format A × 10n, where A is between 1 and 10, and n is an integer. This makes calculations, comparisons, and writing of very large or very small values much easier and less error-prone. The calculator also shows you step-by-step solutions and logic, helping you understand both the answer and the method.


Formula or Logic Behind Standard Form

To write a number in standard form, you must represent it as A × 10n where:

  • A is a decimal number such that 1 ≤ |A| < 10
  • n is an integer (positive for large numbers, negative for decimals)
How to convert:
  • Move the decimal point in the number until you have a single non-zero digit to its left. The number formed is A.
  • Count the number of places you moved the decimal: this is the exponent n.
  • If you moved the decimal left, n is positive. If right, n is negative.
Example:
  • 87,000 → move decimal 4 places left → 8.7 × 104
  • 0.000263 → move 4 places right → 2.63 × 10-4


Standard Form Examples Table

Number Standard Form Working Steps
87000 8.7 × 104 Move decimal 4 places left: 87000 → 8.7
543000 5.43 × 105 Move decimal 5 places left: 543000 → 5.43
0.000263 2.63 × 10-4 Move decimal 4 places right: 0.000263 → 2.63
12000000 1.2 × 107 Move decimal 7 places left: 12000000 → 1.2
0.00751 7.51 × 10-3 Move decimal 3 places right: 0.00751 → 7.51

Steps to Use the Standard Form Calculator

  • Enter the required number or value (such as 87000 or 0.000263)
  • Click on the 'Calculate' button
  • Get instant results in standard form, with step-by-step explanation

Why Use Vedantu’s Standard Form Calculator?

Vedantu’s Standard Form Calculator is accurate, easy to use, and designed for all devices. It instantly solves your queries, provides clear explanations, and helps you learn the logic behind standard form. Whether you’re a CBSE/ICSE student, a science enthusiast, or a teacher, it's trusted by thousands for exam prep and concept building.


Real-life Applications of Standard Form

Using standard form saves time and reduces errors in writing or calculating with huge or tiny numbers. Applications include:

  • Writing distances in astronomy (e.g., 1.5 × 1011 m for Earth-Sun distance)
  • Expressing the mass of molecules or atoms in chemistry and physics
  • Engineering tolerances and scientific datasets
  • Calculators, spreadsheets, and lab reports
  • Competitive exams and science olympiads
For more on number forms and maths tools, check out related pages on Number System and Expanded Form.


You can also learn about Prime Numbers, Quadratics and Algebra Topics for broader maths mastery.

FAQs on Convert Numbers to Standard Form Instantly

1. What is standard form in math?

Standard form, also known as scientific notation, is a way to express very large or very small numbers concisely. It's written as A × 10n, where A is a number between 1 and 10 (but not including 10), and n is an integer representing the power of 10.

2. How do you write a number in standard form?

To write a number in standard form, first move the decimal point until you have a number between 1 and 10. Then, count how many places you moved the decimal. This count becomes the exponent (n). If you moved the decimal to the left, n is positive; if you moved it to the right, n is negative. For example, 543000 becomes 5.43 × 105 (moved decimal 5 places left).

3. What is the standard form formula?

The standard form formula is N = A × 10n, where N is the original number, A is a number between 1 and 10, and n is an integer representing the power of 10.

4. How do I convert a decimal to standard form?

To convert a decimal to standard form, move the decimal point to the right until you have a number between 1 and 10. Count the number of places you moved the decimal point. This number becomes the negative exponent (n). For example, 0.000263 becomes 2.63 × 10-4 (moved decimal 4 places right).

5. What is the difference between standard form and scientific notation?

Standard form and scientific notation are essentially the same thing. Both represent numbers in the form A × 10n to simplify very large or very small numbers. The terms are often used interchangeably.

6. What are some real-world applications of standard form?

Standard form is widely used in science, engineering, and everyday life to represent extremely large or small numbers more easily. Examples include expressing astronomical distances, the size of atoms, and computer memory capacity. It avoids cumbersome strings of zeros.

7. How do you add numbers in standard form?

To add numbers in standard form, first ensure they have the same power of 10. If not, convert them so they do. Then, add the A values and keep the same power of 10. If necessary, rewrite the result back into standard form.

8. How do you multiply numbers in standard form?

To multiply numbers in standard form, multiply the A values together, then add the exponents (n). Rewrite the result in standard form if necessary.

9. How do you divide numbers in standard form?

To divide numbers in standard form, divide the A values, then subtract the exponents (n). Rewrite the result in standard form, if needed.

10. What is 0.000000789 in standard form?

0.000000789 in standard form is 7.89 × 10-7. The decimal point is moved seven places to the right to get a number between 1 and 10, resulting in a negative exponent.

11. What is 345,000,000 in standard form?

345,000,000 in standard form is 3.45 × 108. The decimal point is moved eight places to the left to obtain a number between 1 and 10, resulting in a positive exponent.

12. How to convert 6.2 x 10-3 to ordinary form?

To convert 6.2 x 10-3 to ordinary form, move the decimal point three places to the left because the exponent is negative. This gives 0.0062.