The meter is the SI base unit of length.
Meters to Astronomical units Converter — m to AU
Convert Meter (m) to Astronomical unit (AU) using the exact conversion factor (1 meter = 6.684587e-12 astronomical unit). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, unit comparison, history, and common uses.
Meters to Astronomical units converter
Converter
Astronomy Converter
Convert astronomical length, mass, time, and distance units by compatible family.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
An astronomical unit is the mean Earth-Sun distance.
Result = input x 1 / 1.49597871e+11.
Distance units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Meters to Astronomical units
Meter and Astronomical unit both describe astronomical distances at very different scales — one for measuring within our solar system, the other for the distances between stars — and converting between them helps put the scale of space into perspective. Meter is typically associated with standard length unit worldwide except the US, while Astronomical unit is typically associated with used internationally in astronomy for solar-system-scale distances..
Formula
astronomical units = meters × 6.684587e-12
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 meter equals 1 base unit, and 1 astronomical unit equals 149597870700 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct meter-to-astronomical unit factor of 6.684587e-12.
Simple example
1 m × 6.684587e-12 = 6.684587e-12 AU
1 meter = 6.684587e-12 astronomical units.
Real-world example
4.24 m × 6.684587e-12 = 2.834265e-11 AU
4.24 meters = 2.834265e-11 astronomical units.
Conversion table
| Meter (m) | Astronomical unit (AU) |
|---|---|
| 1 m | 6.684587e-12 AU |
| 4.24 m | 2.834265e-11 AU |
| 10 m | 6.684587e-11 AU |
| 100 m | 6.684587e-10 AU |
| 1,000 m | 6.684587e-9 AU |
| 1,000,000 m | 0.0000066846 AU |
Reverse conversion: Astronomical unit to Meter
6.684587e-12 AU × 149597870700 = 0.9999999817 m
6.684587e-12 astronomical units = 0.9999999817 meters.
meters = astronomical units × 149597870700
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Astronomical unit to Meter.
Meter vs. Astronomical unit
| Aspect | Meter | Astronomical unit |
|---|---|---|
| Family | SI base unit | Non-SI unit accepted for use with SI (astronomical) |
| Typical use | Universal scientific and everyday length measurement outside the US | Measuring distances within the solar system (planetary orbits) |
| Where it's used | Standard length unit worldwide except the US | Used internationally in astronomy for solar-system-scale distances. |
Understanding the Meter
Meter (m) measures distance. The meter is the SI base unit of length, currently defined via the fixed speed of light. It is classified as a SI base unit.
Where it's used: Standard length unit worldwide except the US
Uses of the Meter today
- Universal scientific and everyday length measurement outside the US
- Construction, engineering, and manufacturing internationally
History of the Meter
Defined during the French Revolutionary metric reforms as one ten-millionth of the distance from the North Pole to the Equator, the meter has been redefined several times for precision — a platinum-iridium bar (1889), a krypton-86 wavelength (1960), and since 1983, the distance light travels in 1/299,792,458 of a second.
Historical origin. Meter was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Understanding the Astronomical unit
Astronomical unit (AU) measures distance. The astronomical unit is defined as exactly 149,597,870,700 meters, close to the average Earth-Sun distance. It is classified as a Non-SI unit accepted for use with SI (astronomical).
Where it's used: Used internationally in astronomy for solar-system-scale distances.
Uses of the Astronomical unit today
- Measuring distances within the solar system (planetary orbits)
- Astronomical calculations and spacecraft navigation
- Popular science communication about the solar system
History of the Astronomical unit
The astronomical unit originated from 17th-19th century attempts to measure the Earth-Sun distance, refined over time using transits of Venus and later radar and spacecraft ranging.
In 2012, the International Astronomical Union fixed the AU at exactly 149,597,870,700 meters, replacing its earlier definition (tied to gravitational calculations) with a simple fixed distance, independent of the slightly-variable actual Earth-Sun distance.
Historical origin. Astronomical unit was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Meter — sources
- BIPM — The metre (SI base unit) — Current definition and history of the meter.
Astronomical unit — sources
- IAU Resolution B2 (2012) — Fixes the astronomical unit at exactly 149,597,870,700 meters.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many astronomical units are in 1 meter?
1 meter equals 6.684587e-12 astronomical units, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert meter to astronomical unit?
Multiply the meter value by 6.684587e-12. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert astronomical unit back to meter?
Use the reverse factor: 1 astronomical unit equals 149,597,870,700 meters. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a meter?
Meter (m) measures distance. The meter is the SI base unit of length, currently defined via the fixed speed of light. It is classified as a SI base unit.
What is a astronomical unit?
Astronomical unit (AU) measures distance. The astronomical unit is defined as exactly 149,597,870,700 meters, close to the average Earth-Sun distance. It is classified as a Non-SI unit accepted for use with SI (astronomical).
Is the meter to astronomical unit conversion exact?
Yes. The astronomical unit is defined as exactly 149,597,870,700 meters, close to the average Earth-Sun distance. That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.
Where is the meter still used today?
Standard length unit worldwide except the US