What is one parsec in meters?
One parsec is 1 pc = 3.0856775814913673e16 m exactly (IAU 2015), about 3.26 light years.
Open the interactive PhysRef tool →Key facts
| Value | 3.0856775814913673e16 m |
|---|---|
| Symbol | pc |
| In light years | ≈ 3.2615637769 ly |
| Exactness | Exact by IAU 2015 definition |
| Source | IAU 2015 (Resolution B2) |
Frequently asked questions
How many meters is a parsec?
1 pc = 3.0856775814913673e16 m, about 30.857 trillion km or 3.26 light years.
How many light years is a parsec?
One parsec equals approximately 3.2615637769 light years.
Where does the word parsec come from?
From parallax of one arcsecond: the distance at which 1 au subtends an angle of one arcsecond.
Related pages
Parsec is part of PhysRef on GOAT Lab — a free reference you can use without signing up, and it works offline. Open the tool above for any custom value.
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