Light-year to Parsec
Convert Light-year to Parsec instantly. Free online astronomy unit converter with exact formula, conversion table and FAQ.
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Formula
parsec = light-year × 0.3066013938
light-year = parsec × 3.261563777
Conversion table
| 1 ly | 0.3066013938 pc |
| 5 ly | 1.533006969 pc |
| 10 ly | 3.066013938 pc |
| 20 ly | 6.132027876 pc |
| 50 ly | 15.33006969 pc |
| 100 ly | 30.66013938 pc |
| 500 ly | 153.3006969 pc |
| 1,000 ly | 306.6013938 pc |
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Frequently asked questions
What is the source unit in this conversion?
The source unit is the light-year (ly). A light-year is the distance light travels in one Julian year through a vacuum.
What is the destination unit in this conversion?
The destination unit is the parsec (pc). A parsec is the distance at which one astronomical unit subtends one arcsecond, about 3.26156 light-years.
How do I convert light-year to parsec?
Multiply the light-year value by 0.3066013938. For example, 10 ly × 0.3066013938 = 3.066013938 pc.
Is the light-year to parsec conversion exact?
Yes. Both units have a fixed, defined relationship to the astronomy converter's distance base unit, so the conversion factor is exact rather than a measured approximation.
Where is this conversion commonly used?
It's used in astronomy, physics, and space science whenever a distance value expressed in light-year needs to be compared with, or reported in, parsec.
Can I convert parsec back to light-year?
Yes. Multiply the parsec value by 3.261563777 to get light-year.
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About this conversion
This page converts light-year (ly) to parsec (pc) within the astronomy converter.
A light-year is the distance light travels in one Julian year through a vacuum.
A parsec is the distance at which one astronomical unit subtends one arcsecond, about 3.26156 light-years.
The formula is parsec = light-year × 0.3066013938, based on each unit's fixed relationship to the astronomy converter's distance base unit.
The conversion is exact, since it relies on a fixed numerical ratio between the two units rather than a measured or approximate value.
Use the calculator above for instant results, or the table below for common light-year values already converted to parsec.