convert decimal to significant digits

Question

Is there a function in python that could convert decimal to 3-4 significant digits, eg:

55820.02932238298323 to 5.58e4

Many thanks in advance.

possible duplicate of [How to round a number to significant figures in Python](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/3410976/how-to-round-a-number-to-significant-figures-in-python) — David Webb, Apr 14 '11 at 15:34

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Apr 14 '11 at 15:28

3

If by "convert to" you mean that you want a string formatted like that, you can use the %e format option:

>>> '%.2e' % 55820.02932238298323
'5.58e+04'

answered Apr 14 '11 at 15:28

sth

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Apr 14 '11 at 15:29

0

In [50]: "{0:.2e}".format(55820.02932238298323)
Out[50]: '5.58e+04'

answered Apr 14 '11 at 15:29

Gabi Purcaru

score 0 · Answer 3 · edited May 23 '17 at 09:58

0

If this is for output purposes you can just use string formatting:

>>> "%.2e" % 55820.02932238298323
'5.58e+04'
>>> "{:.2e}".format(55820.02932238298323)
'5.58e+04'

If you want the rounded value to be a float take a look at this question.

edited May 23 '17 at 09:58

Community

answered Apr 14 '11 at 15:30

David Webb

3 Answers3