What Does 1.0E+8 Mean?

[Scott Buckingham]

When performing a query in Query Analyzer, I see the results for a column defined as "real" display as 1.0E+8. What is this telling me and how can I see the real value? The same thing for this: 100000E+7?

[Roger Faucher · Accepted solution]

Scott:

It is Excel's way of showing scientific notation. I'm using Excel 2003 and here is a quote from its help system:

"Scientific notation
To display numbers in scientific format, use "E-," "E+," "e-," or "e+" exponent codes in a section. If a format contains a zero (0) or number sign(# ) to the right of an exponent code, Excel displays the number in scientific format and inserts an "E" or "e". The number of zeros or number signs to the right of a code determines the number of digits in the exponent. "E-" or "e-" places a minus sign by negative exponents. "E+" or "e+" places a minus sign by negative exponents and a plus sign by positive exponents."

In Excel 2003, I don't see an option to format cells as 'real'. I can set it to Scientific or change it from Scientific to Number to see the actual value.
e.g.: 1,000,000 (1 million) becomes 1.00E+6 in Scientific Notation.

HTH

Make a great day!

Roger

P.S.: 100000E+7 is the same as 1.00E+12 (or 1 trillion)

[Scott Buckingham]

Thanks, Roger. That helps a lot! I assume SQL Server's Query Analyzer behaves much the same way as Excel.