Parsec to Light-Year Converter
Convert Parsecs to Light-Years
Quick Conversions
How to Convert Parsecs to Light-Years
To convert from parsecs (pc) to light-years (ly), you multiply the distance in parsecs by 3.26156. For more information about parsecs as a unit of measurement, visit our parsecs page.
Formula
Light-Years = Parsecs × 3.26156
or
ly = pc × 3.26156
Examples
- 1 pc = 1 × 3.26156 = 3.26156 ly
- 5 pc = 5 × 3.26156 = 16.3078 ly
- 10 pc = 10 × 3.26156 = 32.6156 ly
- 25 pc = 25 × 3.26156 = 81.539 ly
When to Convert Parsecs to Light-Years
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 Parsecs to Light-Years Conversions
Here is a table of common conversions for quick reference:
| Parsecs (pc) | Light-Years (ly) | Parsecs (pc) | Light-Years (ly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3.26156 | 100 | 326.156 |
| 2 | 6.52312 | 200 | 652.312 |
| 5 | 16.3078 | 500 | 1,630.78 |
| 10 | 32.6156 | 1,000 | 3,261.56 |
| 20 | 65.2312 | 5,000 | 16,307.8 |
| 50 | 163.078 | 10,000 | 32,615.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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).
How do I convert light-years to parsecs?
To convert from light-years to parsecs, you divide the distance in light-years by 3.26156. For example, 10 ly is equal to 10 / 3.26156 = 3.066 pc.