Centimeter is 0.01 meter units.
Centimeters to Astronomical units Converter — cm to AU
Convert Centimeter (cm) to Astronomical unit (AU) using the exact conversion factor (1 centimeter = 6.684587e-14 astronomical unit). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, unit comparison, history, and common uses.
Centimeters to Astronomical units 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.
An astronomical unit is the mean Earth-Sun distance.
Result = input x 0.01 / 1.49597871e+11.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Centimeters to Astronomical units
Centimeter and Astronomical unit both measure length. Centimeter is typically associated with standard small-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 = centimeters × 6.684587e-14
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 centimeter equals 0.01 base units, and 1 astronomical unit equals 149597870700 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct centimeter-to-astronomical unit factor of 6.684587e-14.
Simple example
1 cm × 6.684587e-14 = 6.684587e-14 AU
1 centimeter = 6.684587e-14 astronomical units.
Real-world example
10 cm × 6.684587e-14 = 6.684587e-13 AU
10 centimeters = 6.684587e-13 astronomical units.
Conversion table
| Centimeter (cm) | Astronomical unit (AU) |
|---|---|
| 1 cm | 6.684587e-14 AU |
| 5 cm | 3.342294e-13 AU |
| 10 cm | 6.684587e-13 AU |
| 21.0975 cm | 1.410281e-12 AU |
| 42.195 cm | 2.820562e-12 AU |
| 100 cm | 6.684587e-12 AU |
Reverse conversion: Astronomical unit to Centimeter
6.684587e-14 AU × 1.495979e+13 = 0.9999999817 cm
6.684587e-14 astronomical units = 0.9999999817 centimeters.
centimeters = astronomical units × 1.495979e+13
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Astronomical unit to Centimeter.
Centimeter vs. Astronomical unit
| Aspect | Centimeter | Astronomical unit |
|---|---|---|
| Family | SI derived (metric prefix) unit | Non-SI unit accepted for use with SI (astronomical) |
| Typical use | Everyday small-object and body measurement (height, clothing sizes) outside the US | Measuring distances within the solar system (planetary orbits) |
| Where it's used | Standard small-length unit worldwide except the US | Used internationally in astronomy for solar-system-scale distances. |
Understanding the Centimeter
Centimeter (cm) measures distance. A centimeter is one-hundredth of a meter. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Where it's used: Standard small-length unit worldwide except the US
Uses of the Centimeter today
- Everyday small-object and body measurement (height, clothing sizes) outside the US
- Construction and manufacturing tolerances internationally
History of the Centimeter
The centimeter follows directly from the meter via the 'centi-' SI prefix (10⁻²), introduced with the metric system in the 1790s.
Historical origin. Centimeter 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.
Centimeter — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — SI prefixes — Defines 'centi-' as the prefix for 10⁻².
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 centimeter?
1 centimeter equals 6.684587e-14 astronomical units, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert centimeter to astronomical unit?
Multiply the centimeter value by 6.684587e-14. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert astronomical unit back to centimeter?
Use the reverse factor: 1 astronomical unit equals 1.495979e+13 centimeters. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a centimeter?
Centimeter (cm) measures distance. A centimeter is one-hundredth of a meter. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) 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 centimeter 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 centimeter still used today?
Standard small-length unit worldwide except the US