I need an input form element that can store numbers such as these:
Currently to be able to enter such a number, HTML spec requires you to set up a step value, like so:
<input type="number" step="0.0000000000000001">
It feels a little weird for me to define a step value so small with so many zeroes.
Is there a better way to do this? Should I just be using a text field type for my floating numbers instead of the number?
Yes, it is good idea You have to use text field (it does not have up/down buttons – you can use JS to create them). It is good to use a pattern attribute to inform user the input is invalid.
<!-- TRY THIS SNIPPET -->
negative or positive
<input pattern="-?[0-9]+(\.[0-9]+)?" value="0">
<hr>
only positive
<input pattern="[0-9]+(\.[0-9]+)?" value="0">
<hr>
negative or positive supporting "scientific" format (eg. 5.3e-5)
<input pattern="-?[0-9]+(\.[0-9]+)?([eE]-?[0-9]+)?" value="0">
<hr>
positive supporting "scientific" format (eg. 5.3e-5)
<input pattern="[0-9]+(\.[0-9]+)?([eE]-?[0-9]+)?" value="0">
<hr>
Try entering some numbers (5, -5, 5.5, -5.5, -4.556e5, 4.556e5)Also (as in the case of type=number field) check it on the server (if it is sent).