An astronomical unit is the mean Earth-Sun distance.
Astronomical units to Yards Converter — AU to yd
Convert Astronomical unit (AU) to Yard (yd) using the exact conversion factor (1 astronomical unit = 163,602,220,800 yard). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, unit comparison, history, and common uses.
Astronomical units to Yards converter
Converter
Length Converter
Convert SI, imperial, US customary, astronomical, scientific, and historical length units.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
A yard is exactly 0.9144 meters.
Result = input x 1.49597871e+11 / 0.9144.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Astronomical units to Yards
Astronomical unit and Yard both measure length. Astronomical unit is typically associated with used internationally in astronomy for solar-system-scale distances., while Yard is typically associated with united States and United Kingdom (sports fields, fabric, some construction).
Formula
yards = astronomical units × 163602220801
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 astronomical unit equals 149597870700 base units, and 1 yard equals 0.9144 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct astronomical unit-to-yard factor of 163602220801.
Simple example
1 AU × 163602220800 = 163,602,220,800 yd
1 astronomical unit = 163,602,220,800 yards.
Real-world example
10 AU × 163602220800 = 1.636022e+12 yd
10 astronomical units = 1.636022e+12 yards.
Conversion table
| Astronomical unit (AU) | Yard (yd) |
|---|---|
| 1 AU | 163,602,220,800 yd |
| 5 AU | 818,011,104,000 yd |
| 10 AU | 1.636022e+12 yd |
| 21.0975 AU | 3.451598e+12 yd |
| 42.195 AU | 6.903196e+12 yd |
| 100 AU | 1.636022e+13 yd |
Reverse conversion: Yard to Astronomical unit
1 yd × 6.112386e-12 = 6.112386e-12 AU
1 yard = 6.112386e-12 astronomical units.
astronomical units = yards × 6.112386e-12
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Yard to Astronomical unit.
Astronomical unit vs. Yard
| Aspect | Astronomical unit | Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Non-SI unit accepted for use with SI (astronomical) | US/imperial customary unit |
| Typical use | Measuring distances within the solar system (planetary orbits) | American football field measurement |
| Where it's used | Used internationally in astronomy for solar-system-scale distances. | United States and United Kingdom (sports fields, fabric, some construction) |
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.
Understanding the Yard
Yard (yd) measures distance. The international yard is defined as exactly 0.9144 meters. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
Where it's used: United States and United Kingdom (sports fields, fabric, some construction)
Uses of the Yard today
- American football field measurement
- Fabric and textile measurement
- Golf and other sports distances in the US/UK
History of the Yard
The yard has English origins possibly tied to a standard 'gird' or arm's-length measure; it was fixed at exactly 0.9144 meters by the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement, the same treaty that standardized the foot, inch, mile, and pound.
Historical origin. Yard was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Astronomical unit — sources
- IAU Resolution B2 (2012) — Fixes the astronomical unit at exactly 149,597,870,700 meters.
Yard — sources
- NIST — International yard and pound (1959) — Fixes the modern yard at exactly 0.9144 meters.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many yards are in 1 astronomical unit?
1 astronomical unit equals 163,602,220,800 yards, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert astronomical unit to yard?
Multiply the astronomical unit value by 163602220800. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert yard back to astronomical unit?
Use the reverse factor: 1 yard equals 6.112386e-12 astronomical units. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
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).
What is a yard?
Yard (yd) measures distance. The international yard is defined as exactly 0.9144 meters. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
Is the astronomical unit to yard conversion exact?
Yes. The international yard is defined as exactly 0.9144 meters. 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 astronomical unit still used today?
Used internationally in astronomy for solar-system-scale distances.