1.5 billion in scientific notation is 1.5 × 109.
The number 1.5 billion represents one and a half times one billion, which is 1,000,000,000. In scientific notation, large numbers are expressed as a product of a decimal number between 1 and 10, and a power of ten, making it easier to read and work with.
Conversion Tool
Result in scientific:
Conversion Formula
To convert a value in billion to scientific notation, multiply the number by 10 to the power of 9. Billion represents 1,000,000,000, which is 109. The formula is:
Scientific Notation = Value × 109
For example, for 1.5 billion:
- 1 billion = 109
- 1.5 billion = 1.5 × 109
- This means, 1.5 billion equals 1,500,000,000 in standard form but 1.5 × 109 in scientific notation.
Conversion Example
- 2.3 billion:
- Multiply 2.3 by 109
- 2.3 × 109 = 2,300,000,000
- In scientific notation: 2.3 × 109
- 0.75 billion:
- Multiply 0.75 by 109
- 0.75 × 109 = 750,000,000
- Scientific notation: 7.5 × 108 (since 750 million is 7.5 × 108)
- 5 billion:
- Multiply 5 by 109
- 5 × 109 = 5,000,000,000
- Scientific notation: 5 × 109
- 0.02 billion:
- Multiply 0.02 by 109
- 0.02 × 109 = 20,000,000
- Scientific notation: 2 × 107
Conversion Chart
| Billion | Scientific Notation |
|---|---|
| -23.5 | -2.35 × 1010 |
| -20 | -2 × 1010 |
| -15 | -1.5 × 1010 |
| -10 | -1 × 1010 |
| -5 | -5 × 109 |
| 0 | 0 × 109 |
| 5 | 5 × 109 |
| 10 | 1 × 1010 |
| 15 | 1.5 × 1010 |
| 20 | 2 × 1010 |
| 23.5 | 2.35 × 1010 |
| 26.5 | 2.65 × 1010 |
The chart shows how numbers in billion convert into scientific notation. To use it, find the billion value on the left, then read across to see the scientific form. Negative billion values represent negative powers magnitudes.
Related Conversion Questions
- What is 1.5 billion written in scientific notation?
- How do I convert 1.5 billion into scientific form?
- Can 1.5 billion be expressed as a power of ten?
- What does 1.5 × 109 mean in billions?
- How many zeros are there in 1.5 billion in scientific notation?
- Is 1.5 billion equal to 1.5e9 in scientific notation?
- How to write 1.5 billion using scientific notation on a calculator?
Conversion Definitions
Billion: Billion is a numerical value equal to one thousand million, or 1,000,000,000. It is used in counting and measuring large quantities, especially in economics and science. The word billion is often used to denote 109 in the short scale system common in English-speaking countries.
Scientific: Scientific notation is a way to express numbers that are very large or very small as a product of a decimal number between 1 and 10, and a power of ten. This method simplifies calculations and comparisons by reducing the length of numbers while preserving their value.
Conversion FAQs
Why is 1 billion equal to 10 to the 9th power?
One billion equals 1,000,000,000, which means there are nine zeros after the 1. In powers of ten, each zero represents one power, so nine zeros make it 10 raised to the 9th power. This is a standard in the short scale number system.
Can scientific notation be used for negative billion numbers?
Yes, negative numbers can be expressed in scientific notation by placing a negative sign before the decimal part. For example, -1.5 billion would be written as -1.5 × 109. The negative sign indicates the value is less than zero.
How accurate is converting billion to scientific notation?
Converting billion to scientific notation is exact when no rounding is involved because billion equals 109. However, if the decimal part has many digits, rounding may occur. The notation simplifies writing but keeps the value precise within chosen decimal places.
Is scientific notation used only for large numbers?
No, scientific notation is used for very large and very small numbers. It helps represent tiny quantities like atoms or huge distances in space compactly. It works by shifting the decimal point left or right along with an exponent indicating the shift.
Does converting billion to scientific notation change the number’s value?
No, conversion into scientific notation is only a different format to write the same number. The actual value remains unchanged; it just becomes easier to read, compare, and compute especially when dealing with extremely large or small numbers.
Last Updated : 22 July, 2025

Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.