Parsec to Light-year
Convert Parsec to Light-year instantly. Free online astronomy unit converter with exact formula, conversion table and FAQ.
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Formula
light-year = parsec × 3.261563777
parsec = light-year × 0.3066013938
Conversion table
| 1 pc | 3.261563777 ly |
| 5 pc | 16.30781889 ly |
| 10 pc | 32.61563777 ly |
| 20 pc | 65.23127554 ly |
| 50 pc | 163.0781889 ly |
| 100 pc | 326.1563777 ly |
| 500 pc | 1630.781889 ly |
| 1,000 pc | 3261.563777 ly |
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Frequently asked questions
What is the source unit in this conversion?
The source unit is the parsec (pc). A parsec is the distance at which one astronomical unit subtends one arcsecond, about 3.26156 light-years.
What is the destination unit in this conversion?
The destination unit is the light-year (ly). A light-year is the distance light travels in one Julian year through a vacuum.
How do I convert parsec to light-year?
Multiply the parsec value by 3.261563777. For example, 10 pc × 3.261563777 = 32.61563777 ly.
Is the parsec to light-year 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 parsec needs to be compared with, or reported in, light-year.
Can I convert light-year back to parsec?
Yes. Multiply the light-year value by 0.3066013938 to get parsec.
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About this conversion
This page converts parsec (pc) to light-year (ly) within the astronomy converter.
A parsec is the distance at which one astronomical unit subtends one arcsecond, about 3.26156 light-years.
A light-year is the distance light travels in one Julian year through a vacuum.
The formula is light-year = parsec × 3.261563777, 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 parsec values already converted to light-year.