How to Remove Scientific Notation in Excel? – No More Confusion!

In Microsoft Excel, scientific notation is handy for working with large numbers. However, it can be frustrating if you want to see the full value instead of the condensed format. Whether dealing with financial data, scientific measurements, or large datasets, knowing how to remove scientific notation in Excel is vital for clear data presentation. Here, I will discuss various methods to remove/ disable scientific notation, ensuring your data is displayed exactly as you want.

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What is Scientific Notation in Excel and Why It Is Use?

Scientific Notation is a method of writing small and large numbers in short or scientific form. Here the numbers are replaced with the E+n where E, known as Exponent, multiplies the previous number by 10 to the nth power.

For example, if you are working in Excel, the formulas show a large number of digits in a scientific form, such as 8.7986E+11.

How to Remove Scientific Notation in Excel

In Microsoft Excel, using 12 digits or more than 12 digital numbers will convert the numbers into Scientific Notation by default. So, if your numbers are 12+, Excel will automatically convert them to scientific notation to deal with that limit.

How to Remove Scientific Notation in Excel?

There are many different ways to stop scientific notation; follow the steps given one by one carefully.

#1: By Changing the Width of Cells

When you insert or paste them into cells, Excel automatically converts huge numbers to scientific notation (for example, 1,27E+12).

Since the cell is too narrow or there are more than 12 digits in the number, Excel now formats the number as a scientific notation when you press the ENTER key.

In this situation, double-clicking between column headers will compel Excel to display numbers exactly as you typed them, preventing this from happening. As a result, the scientific notation is removed, and the cell width is changed to fit the entire number.

#2: By Using Cell Format

Using the Format Cells in Excel changes the number aspect without modifying the number itself. Excel, by default, utilizes the General Format for the numbers; here are the steps to change the format:

  • To remove the scientific notation from a cell, right-click on the numbered cell, and pick Format Cells from the menu.

How to Remove Scientific Notation in Excel

  • Now choose the Number category set the number of decimal places to 0, and then click OK.

How to Remove Scientific Notation in Excel

  • The scientific notation has now been removed.

How to Remove Scientific Notation in Excel

  • Now the scientific notation will be removed.

How to Remove Scientific Notation in Excel

Also Read: How to Remove Security Warning Message in Excel Easily?

#3: By Using Excel Functions

Here you need to use the Excel functions for converting the Scientific Notation to the Standard Notation. There are 3 functions in Excel to remove Scientific Notation.

  1. Trim Function,
  2. Concatenate Function
  3. Upper Function

Below find out how to use these functions one by one:

3.1: TRIM Function

TRIM Function in Excel is utilized for removing the extra spaces from the Excel data, which can be used to remove the scientific notation from the digits.

Follow the steps to use it:

  • Go to the Cell and write the formula =TRIM(B5) in the next cell, as shown in the image.

How to Remove Scientific Notation in Excel

  • Drag the fill handle in all the cells where you want to utilize this formula.

How to Remove Scientific Notation in Excel

  • You will now see the numbers in the standard notation.

3.2: CONCATENATE Function

Excel CONCATENATE Function is utilized for combining several cells’ values into one cell, and therefore, it can be an effective function for Excel remove scientific notation.

Follow the steps given to use it:

  • Go to the Cell and write the formula =CONCATENATE(B5) in the next cell, as shown in the image

How to Remove Scientific Notation in Excel

  • And drag the fill handle in all the cells where you want to utilize this formula.

You will see the scientific notation is removed now.

3.3: UPPER Function

Excel UPPER function is utilized for converting the text to uppercase, and using this function; many users managed to get rid of scientific notation in Excel.

Follow the steps to do so:

  • Go to the Cell and write the formula =UPPER(B5) in the next cell, as shown in the image

How to Remove Scientific Notation in Excel

  • Drag the fill handle in all the cells where you want to utilize this formula.

You will see the scientific notation is removed now.

Also Read: Remove Hyperlink in Excel Like a Pro!

#4: By Using Text to Column Feature in Excel

This is another effective trick in Excel to remove the scientific notation from the number digit.

Follow the steps to do so:

  • Here you need to first Copy data from the scientific notation column and paste it and then choose cells were to remove the scientific notation.

How to Remove Scientific Notation in Excel

  • Then in the ribbon, go to the Data Tab and click on the Text to Columns

How to Remove Scientific Notation in Excel

  • A dialog box appears here. Choose Fixed Width and click on Next.

How to Remove Scientific Notation in Excel

  • Again, click on Next, and from Column data format, choose General to Text

How to Remove Scientific Notation in Excel

  • Then click on Finish.

And you will see the Scientific Notation is removed now.

#5: By Adding an Apostrophe at the Number Beginning

This is also an effective trick that stops Excel from automatically converting the number to Scientific Notation.

You need to add an apostrophe (‘) before entering the number; there are chances you may see an error. In this case, right-click and choose Ignore Error.

How to Remove Scientific Notation in Excel

How to Remove Scientific Notation in Google Sheets?

Additionally, Google Sheets will always use scientific notation as the default format for large numbers. So, if you want to remove Scientific Notation in Google sheet then follow the below-given steps:

  • Click on the cell, and from the menu Select Format > Number from the menu.
  • Because Automatic is checked by default, a long number would be automatically formatted in scientific notation.

How to Remove Scientific Notation in Excel

  • Choose a number.
  • The column can then be resized to display the complete number in your chosen format.

How to Remove Scientific Notation in Excel

So, these are easy ways to remove scientific notation in Excel.

Also Read: How to Remove Watermark in Excel in Seconds?

Related FAQs:

How Do I Remove E+ From Text in Excel?

To remove E+ from text in Excel, do the following things:

  • Type an apostrophe at the starting of the cell entry.
  • Format the cells as Number or Text.
  • Use the Power Query.

Why Does Excel Default to Scientific Notation?

In Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, there is a limit for handling large datasets or numbers. In Excel, this limit is 15 digits. Values beyond this number of digits may be shown in scientific notation.

How to Convert Excel Scientific Notation to Text?

To convert scientific notation to text or number in Excel, you have to try these methods:

  • Use Format cells
  • Use in-built TRIM() function in MS Excel
  • Use of an apostrophe symbol.

Bottom Line

Scientific notation in MS Excel can be troublesome, but with the accurate measures, you can effortlessly disable it. Whether you prefer to format cells, use TRIM() function, or employ quick fixes like the apostrophe method, there’s a solution that fits your needs. Implement these solutions to keep your spreadsheet error-free.

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Good Luck..!



Priyanka is a content marketing expert. She writes tech blogs and has expertise in MS Office, Excel, and other tech subjects. Her distinctive art of presenting tech information in the easy-to-understand language is very impressive. When not writing, she loves unplanned travels.