Excel Scientific Notation Without e (7 Quick Tricks)

This article explores methods to convert Excel scientific notation without e to regular numbers. Scientific notation, often denoted with the “e” exponent notation, is a compact way to represent large or small numbers. However, when working with such data in Excel, the default automatic conversion to the “e+” format may not always be desirable. By following the provided steps, you can easily transform scientific notation into a more familiar number format without e  for improved data analysis and presentation in your Excel spreadsheets.

overview of Excel scientific notation without e


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What Does Scientific Notation Without e Mean?

Scientific notation without the letter “e” refers to an alternative way of representing numbers in scientific notation when the exponent is not explicitly expressed by the letter “e.” The exponent is represented in a different format than the “e” notation. The decimal point is often placed in this manner after a predetermined number of digits, designating the power of 10 through the decimal point’s placement.

For instance, 5.32e+10 represents 5.32 increased to the power of 10 when written in ordinary scientific notation. Without the “e,” this would be written as 532,000,000,000 or 532 billion in scientific notation.

It’s crucial to remember that depending on the situation or system, the precise format used to represent scientific notation sans the letter “e” can change.


Excel Scientific Notation Without e to Numbers : 7 Quick Tricks

In this segment, we will discuss 7 quick tricks to convert scientific notation without e to numbers. In some cases, we will use Excel functions and in some cases, we will use different Excel options. Let’s see the procedures.


1. Apply Excel INT Function to Convert Scientific Notation to Number Without e

One of the easiest ways to remove scientific notation e and convert to standard numbers is to use the INT function. Let’s see how we can use it.

  • Firstly, create a dataset where some data are in scientific format i.e the numbers are represented with scientific notation e. Our data in the Distance from Earth (m) column is in scientific format.

dataset for Excel scientific notation without e

  • Then, use the following formula in cell D5 to convert the data of cell C5 to a normal number.
=INT(C5)

Using INT function to remove scientific notation e

In the formula, the INT function converts the format of the number from scientific to normal number.

  • Finally, use the Fill Handle of Excel to copy the formula in the following cells.

use fill handle to copy formula down


2. Insert Excel TRIM Function to Get Rid of Scientific Notation

We can also use the TRIM function to get rid of scientific notation e. It has only one argument.  Let’s see the procedures.

  • Simply, apply the following formula to get rid of scientific notation e.
=TRIM(C5)
  • Use Fill Handle to copy the formula.

Using TRIM function use to remove e


3. Use of TRUNC Function to Avoid Scientific Notation and Get Numbers Without e

The TRUNC function can also be used to do the same task. The advantage of using this function is- it can cut digit after decimal by using a second argument. We are showing the way below.

  • Simply, apply the following formula and press Enter.
=TRUNC(C5,0)
  • Also, use the Fill Handle.

Using TRUNC function use to remove e

  • In the formula, 0 as the argument for TRUNC means we won’t cut any digit after decimal point.

4. Combination of LEFT, TEXT, FIND, ROUND and LEN Functions to Remove Scientific Notations

Now, let’s use a combination of functions- LEFT, TEXT, FIND, ROUND, and LEN functions to remove scientific notation e. This time, it’ll be a bit complex but no worries we have provided the formula breakdown to understand easily

  • Primarily, we’ll need a helper column in which the coefficient of the scientific number is separated. Use the following formula for that. Don’t forget to copy the formula with Fill Handle.
=LEFT(TEXT(C5,"0.0E+0"),FIND("E",TEXT(C5,"0.0E+0"))-1)

Inserting helper column for formula to remove scientific notation with multiple functions

Formula Breakdown:

  • TEXT(C5, “0.0E+0”): This part converts the value in cell C5 to a text format using the “0E+0” format. The “0.0E+0” format ensures that the number is displayed in scientific notation with one digit before the decimal point and one digit after the decimal point.
  • FIND(“E”, TEXT(C5, “0.0E+0”)): We used the FIND function to locate the position of the letter “E” within the text generated in the previous step. This helps identify the position where the exponent starts.
  • FIND(“E”, TEXT(C5, “0.0E+0”))-1: By subtracting 1 from the result of the FIND function, we obtain the position of the last digit of the coefficient in the scientific notation.
  • LEFT(TEXT(C5, “0.0E+0”), FIND(“E”, TEXT(C5, “0.0E+0”))-1): We used the LEFT function then to extract the leftmost characters from the text generated in step 1, stopping at the position identified in step 3. This effectively gives us the coefficient without the “E” exponent notation.

  • Finally, use the following formula to get rid of scientific notation e.
=ROUND(D5*10^(RIGHT(TEXT(C5,"0.0E+0"),LEN(TEXT(C5,"0.0E+0"))-FIND("E",TEXT(C5,"0.0E+0")))),2)

use of LEFT TEXT FIND ROUND functions to remove scientific notation e

Formula Breakdown:

  • TEXT(C5, “0.0E+0”): This part converts the value in cell C5 to a text format using the “0E+0” format, ensuring that it is displayed in scientific notation.
  • FIND(“E”, TEXT(C5, “0.0E+0”)): The FIND function locates the position of the letter “E” within the text generated in step 1, identifying where the exponent starts.
  • LEN(TEXT(C5, “0.0E+0”)): The LEN function determines the length of the text generated in step 1, giving us the total number of characters.
  • LEN(TEXT(C5, “0.0E+0”))-FIND(“E”, TEXT(C5, “0.0E+0”)): By subtracting the position of “E” (from step 2) from the total number of characters (from step 3), we obtain the length of the exponent.
  • RIGHT(TEXT(C5, “0.0E+0”), LEN(TEXT(C5, “0.0E+0”))-FIND(“E”, TEXT(C5, “0.0E+0”))): We used the RIGHT function to extract the rightmost characters from the text generated in step 1, starting from the position we determined in step 4. This gives us the exponent.
  • D5*10^(RIGHT(TEXT(C5, “0.0E+0”), LEN(TEXT(C5, “0.0E+0”))-FIND(“E”, TEXT(C5, “0.0E+0”)))): This part multiplies the value in cell D5 with 10 raised to the power of the exponent obtained in step 5, effectively calculating the value without the scientific notation.
  • ROUND(D5*10^(RIGHT(TEXT(C5, “0.0E+0”), LEN(TEXT(C5, “0.0E+0”))-FIND(“E”, TEXT(C5, “0.0E+0”)))), 2): We used the ROUND function to round the result obtained in step 6 to two decimal places.


5. Use of Copy Paste Options to Convert Scientific Notation to Numbers Without e

There’s an absolutely easy way to do the task. We will simply copy the number with scientific notation and paste them as values. Let’s see the procedures. As it’s a kind of manual process so not feasible for a large dataset.

  • Firstly, select the cells with data and copy them by pressing Ctrl + C.

copy to remove e

  • Afterward, right-click on the cell where you want the result to appear.
  • Finally, select Paste as Values from the Paste Special option of the context menu.

paste as values to remove e

  • As a result, you will see the numbers don’t have the scientific notation any more.

notation e removed in pasted values


6. Apply Custom Number Format to Convert Scientific Notation Without e

You can also change the number format of the cells before entering the data to remove scientific notation e. Follow the instructions.

  • Firstly, select the cells with data. Go to Number Format box of the ribbon, and select More Number Formats.

changing format

  • Then, select Number from the number format tab and choose your required decimal values. Press OK.

setting new number format

  • Finally, you will see the number without e.

changed format without e


7. Insert Apostrophe Before Number to Remove e

There’s another way to remove scientific notation. We can insert an apostrophe ” sign before the number to do that. Remember we will convert the numbers to text format and that’s why it will remove the scientific notation.

  • Simply, insert an apostrophe ” sign before the number and press Enter. This will do the trick.

apostrophe to remove notation e

The green sign at the edge of the cells declare that you have stored the numbers as text now.


Why Does Excel Change Long Numbers to e+?

When a number has more than a particular number of digits, Excel automatically converts it to the “e+” scientific notation format. This behavior is Excel’s default setting and is designed to aid in organizing and presenting large numbers without consuming an excessive amount of cell space.

Excel can more effectively represent very big or very small numbers by employing scientific notation with the “e+” format. A number is represented using the “e+” format as a coefficient multiplied by 10 and raised to a specific power (exponent). For instance, 1.23E+10 denotes 1.23 raised to the power of 10, or 1.23 multiplied by 10.

Excel’s default behavior can be changed by altering the cell’s formatting options or by extracting and manipulating data with formulas.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can I stop Excel from converting lengthy numeric expressions to scientific notation?

Ans: You can modify the formatting of the cell(s) to a number format with the desired amount of decimal places or use a custom number format to stop Excel from automatically converting large integers to scientific notation. Simply right-click on the cell or cells, choose “Format Cells” , navigate to the “Number” tab, and select the desired number format.

  • How many digits can Excel support without resorting to scientific notation?

Ans: Excel can handle a maximum of 15 digits without resorting to scientific notation. Excel will automatically convert numbers with more than 15 digits to scientific notation.

  • Is it possible to modify Excel’s default behavior such that it always displays long numbers without scientific notation?

Ans: No, Excel automatically converts long numbers to scientific notation by default when they reach a particular level. Excel does not allow for a global adjustment to this behavior.  However, you can format individual cells as previously mentioned to display integers without scientific notation.


Things to Remember

  • In some formulas, we used cell references. Be Careful about the absolute cell references.
  • You can change the format of the cells to take the input as a normal number or text format even before entering data.
  • The entered data should be a large number to express the power of scientific notation e.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can enhance data analysis and presentation by translating scientific notation to numbers without the “e” exponent in Excel. Excel provides efficient ways to present lengthy figures in a more user-friendly fashion, whether through formulas or custom formatting. You may maximize the use of your Excel spreadsheets when working with scientific data by becoming an expert in these methods.

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Mehedi Hasan Shimul
Mehedi Hasan Shimul

Md. Mehedi Hasan, with a BSc in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, holds a crucial position as an Excel & VBA Content Developer at ExcelDemy. Driven by a deep passion for research and innovation, he actively immerses himself in Excel. In his role, Mehedi not only skillfully addresses complex challenges but also exhibits enthusiasm and expertise in gracefully navigating tough situations, emphasizing his steadfast commitment to consistently deliver exceptional and quality content.... Read Full Bio

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