Astronomical Units (AU)	Light-Years (ly)
1 AU	0.00001581 ly
2 AU	0.00003163 ly
5 AU	0.00007906 ly
10 AU	0.0001581 ly
25 AU	0.0003953 ly
50 AU	0.0007906 ly
100 AU	0.001581 ly
250 AU	0.003953 ly
500 AU	0.007906 ly
1000 AU	0.01581 ly

Convert Astronomical Units to Light-Years

Convert astronomical units to light-years (AU to ly) with our instant calculator. 1 AU = 0.000016 ly. Includes exact formula and reference tables.

How to Convert Astronomical Units to Light-Years (AU to ly)

1 Astronomical Unit (AU) is equal to 0.000016 Light-Years (ly). Multiply the astronomical unit value by 0.00001581250741

Quick Answer 1 AU = 0.000016 ly

Formula ly = AU × 0.00001581250741

Inverse Factor 1 ly = 63241.077084 AU

Unit Definitions & Metrology Context

The standard SI base unit of length is the meter (m), defined as the distance traveled by light in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second.

About Astronomical Units (AU): Astronomical Unit (AU) is a unit in the Length & Distance measurement category. It is widely used in earth-sun distance (solar system). Relative to the length & distance base unit, 1 AU equals 149597870700 Meters (m).

About Light-Years (ly): Light-Year (ly) is a unit in the Length & Distance measurement category. It is widely used in interstellar astronomical distance. Relative to the length & distance base unit, 1 ly equals 9460730472580800 Meters (m).

Need to convert in the opposite direction? Visit our Convert Light-Years to Astronomical Units (ly to AU) calculator (1 ly = 63241.077084 AU).

Step-by-Step Worked Examples (AU to ly)

Convert 5 Astronomical Units to Light-Years: Applying the formula (ly = AU × 0.00001581250741): starting with 5 AU, multiply the astronomical unit value by 0.00001581250741 to get 0.0001 ly.
Convert 10 Astronomical Units to Light-Years: Applying the formula (ly = AU × 0.00001581250741): starting with 10 AU, multiply the astronomical unit value by 0.00001581250741 to get 0.0002 ly.
Convert 50 Astronomical Units to Light-Years: Applying the formula (ly = AU × 0.00001581250741): starting with 50 AU, multiply the astronomical unit value by 0.00001581250741 to get 0.0008 ly.

Popular Length & Distance Conversions

Kilometer ⇄ Mile

Multiply kilometers by ~0.621371 to get miles, or divide miles by 0.621371 to get kilometers.

Inch ⇄ Centimeter

1 inch is legally and scientifically defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters.

Foot ⇄ Meter

1 foot is defined as exactly 0.3048 meters (12 inches).

Mile ⇄ Nautical Mile

1 nautical mile is exactly 1,852 meters (~1.15078 statute miles).

Frequently Asked Questions

Verified answers and formulas for converting astronomical units to light-years.

How many light-years are in 1 astronomical unit?

There are 0.000016 light-years (ly) in 1 astronomical unit (AU). Conversely, 1 light-year equals 63241.077084 astronomical units.

How do you convert astronomical units to light-years?

To convert astronomical units (AU) to light-years (ly), use the formula: ly = AU × 0.00001581250741. Multiply the astronomical unit value by 0.00001581250741. For example, 10 AU equals 0.0002 ly.

How do I convert back from light-years to astronomical units?

To convert in the reverse direction from light-years (ly) to astronomical units (AU), use the inverse formula: AU = ly × 63241.07708. Multiply the light-year value by 63241.07708 (1 ly = 63241.077084 AU).

What is the difference between astronomical unit (AU) and light-year (ly)?

Both astronomical unit and light-year measure length & distance. Astronomical Unit (AU) is a unit in the Length & Distance measurement category. It is widely used in earth-sun distance (solar system). Relative to the length & distance base unit, 1 AU equals 149597870700 Meters (m). Light-Year (ly) is a unit in the Length & Distance measurement category. It is widely used in interstellar astronomical distance. Relative to the length & distance base unit, 1 ly equals 9460730472580800 Meters (m).

How many miles are in a kilometer?

There are approximately 0.621371 miles in 1 kilometer. To convert kilometers to miles quickly in your head, multiply by 6 and divide by 10 (or multiply by 0.6).