When using the TO_CHAR() function in Oracle Database, you can use the EEEE format element to return the number in scientific notation.

Example

Here’s an example to demonstrate:

SELECT TO_CHAR(123456789, 'fm9EEEE') FROM DUAL;

Result:

1E+08

And another one:

SELECT TO_CHAR(123.456789, 'fm9EEEE') FROM DUAL;

Result:

1E+02

The TM Format Element

You can also follow the TM format element with a single E if required:

SELECT TO_CHAR(123456789, 'TMe') FROM DUAL;

Result:

1.23456789E+08

Also, when using the TM format element, if the output exceeds 64 characters, then Oracle Database automatically returns the number in scientific notation, even when there’s no E format element:

SELECT TO_CHAR(POWER(9123456789, 9), 'TM') FROM DUAL;

Result:

4.379603308369109117980583616918225063622E+89