Solar mass is used in astronomy.
Solar mass to Atomic mass units Converter — Msun to u
Convert Solar mass (Msun) to Atomic mass unit (u) using the exact conversion factor (1 solar mass = 1.197485e+57 atomic mass unit). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Solar mass to Atomic mass units converter
Converter
Mass/Weight Converter
Convert SI mass, imperial weight, jewelry, atomic, and astronomy mass units.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
The unified atomic mass unit is used in atomic physics.
Result = input x 1.98847e+30 / 1.66053907e-27.
Mass uses the kilogram as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Solar mass to Atomic mass units
Weight conversions between Solar mass and Atomic mass unit come up constantly in everyday commerce, shipping, and cooking, since US packaging is usually labeled in pounds while most of the rest of the world uses kilograms. Specifically: Solar mass is used in astronomy, and the unified atomic mass unit is used in atomic physics.
Formula
atomic mass units = solar mass × 1.197485e+57
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 solar mass equals 1.98847e+30 base units, and 1 atomic mass unit equals 1.660539e-27 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct solar mass-to-atomic mass unit factor of 1.197485e+57.
Simple example
1 Msun × 1.197485e+57 = 1.197485e+57 u
1 solar mass = 1.197485e+57 atomic mass units.
Real-world example
50 Msun × 1.197485e+57 = 5.987423e+58 u
50 solar mass = 5.987423e+58 atomic mass units.
Conversion table
| Solar mass (Msun) | Atomic mass unit (u) |
|---|---|
| 1 Msun | 1.197485e+57 u |
| 5 Msun | 5.987423e+57 u |
| 10 Msun | 1.197485e+58 u |
| 25 Msun | 2.993712e+58 u |
| 50 Msun | 5.987423e+58 u |
| 100 Msun | 1.197485e+59 u |
Reverse conversion: Atomic mass unit to Solar mass
1.197485e+57 u × 8.350838e-58 = 1.000000314 Msun
1.197485e+57 atomic mass units = 1.000000314 solar mass.
solar mass = atomic mass units × 8.350838e-58
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Atomic mass unit to Solar mass.
Understanding the Solar mass (Msun)
Solar mass is used in astronomy.
Understanding the Atomic mass unit
Atomic mass unit (u) measures mass. The unified atomic mass unit is defined as exactly 1/12 the mass of a carbon-12 atom, approximately 1.6605390666 × 10⁻²⁷ kg. It is classified as a Non-SI unit accepted for use with SI (scientific).
Where it's used: Used internationally in chemistry and physics, not a general-public unit
Uses of the Atomic mass unit today
- Expressing atomic and molecular masses in chemistry
- Nuclear and particle physics mass calculations
- Molecular weight tables and mass spectrometry
History of the Atomic mass unit
Atomic mass scales existed before international standardization, using either oxygen-16 or natural oxygen as a reference. In 1961, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and physicists agreed on a unified scale based on carbon-12, ending decades of divergent chemistry and physics mass scales.
The unified atomic mass unit (u), also called the dalton (Da) in SI-adjacent contexts, is now tied to the carbon-12 standard and remains the base unit for atomic and molecular mass tables used across chemistry and physics.
Historical origin. Atomic mass unit was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Atomic mass unit — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Non-SI units accepted for use with SI — Lists the unified atomic mass unit and its carbon-12 definition.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many atomic mass units are in 1 solar mass?
1 solar mass equals 1.197485e+57 atomic mass units, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert solar mass to atomic mass unit?
Multiply the solar mass value by 1.197485e+57. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert atomic mass unit back to solar mass?
Use the reverse factor: 1 atomic mass unit equals 8.350838e-58 solar mass. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a solar mass?
Solar mass (Msun) is a unit of mass/weight.
What is a atomic mass unit?
Atomic mass unit (u) measures mass. The unified atomic mass unit is defined as exactly 1/12 the mass of a carbon-12 atom, approximately 1.6605390666 × 10⁻²⁷ kg. It is classified as a Non-SI unit accepted for use with SI (scientific).
Is the solar mass to atomic mass unit conversion exact?
Yes. The unified atomic mass unit is defined as exactly 1/12 the mass of a carbon-12 atom, approximately 1.6605390666 × 10⁻²⁷ kg. That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.