Light-Year to Parsec Converter
Convert Light-Years to Parsecs
Quick Conversions
How to Convert Light-Years to Parsecs
To convert from light-years (ly) to parsecs (pc), you divide the distance in light-years by 3.26156. For more information about light-years as a unit of measurement, visit our light-years page.
Formula
Parsecs = Light-Years / 3.26156
or
pc = ly / 3.26156
Examples
- 1 ly = 1 / 3.26156 = 0.3066 pc
- 5 ly = 5 / 3.26156 = 1.5329 pc
- 10 ly = 10 / 3.26156 = 3.066 pc
- 3.26156 ly = 3.26156 / 3.26156 = 1 pc
When to Convert Light-Years to Parsecs
This conversion is useful when discussing distances in the vastness of space, especially for interstellar distances.
Astronomy
Astronomers use parsecs to measure distances to stars and galaxies, as light-years can sometimes be too small for such vast scales.
Cosmology
In cosmology, parsecs are a fundamental unit for understanding the scale of the universe and the distances to distant celestial objects.
Common Light-Years to Parsecs Conversions
Here is a table of common conversions for quick reference:
| Light-Years (ly) | Parsecs (pc) | Light-Years (ly) | Parsecs (pc) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.3066 | 100 | 30.66 |
| 2 | 0.6132 | 200 | 61.32 |
| 5 | 1.5329 | 500 | 153.29 |
| 10 | 3.066 | 1,000 | 306.6 |
| 20 | 6.132 | 3,261.56 | 1,000 |
| 50 | 15.329 | 10,000 | 3,066 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a light-year (ly)?
A light-year is a unit of distance in astronomy, equal to the distance that light travels in one Julian year in vacuum. It is approximately 9.461 trillion kilometers (5.879 trillion miles).
What is a parsec (pc)?
A parsec is a unit of length used to measure large distances to astronomical objects outside the Solar System. One parsec is approximately 3.26 light-years or 206,265 astronomical units.
How do I convert parsecs to light-years?
To convert from parsecs to light-years, you multiply the distance in parsecs by 3.26156. For example, 1 pc is equal to 1 * 3.26156 = 3.26156 ly.