Light-Years (ly)	Parsecs (pc)
1 ly	0.3066 pc
2 ly	0.6132 pc
5 ly	1.533 pc
10 ly	3.066 pc
25 ly	7.665 pc
50 ly	15.3301 pc
100 ly	30.6601 pc
250 ly	76.6503 pc
500 ly	153.3007 pc
1000 ly	306.6014 pc

Convert Light-Years to Parsecs

Convert light-years to parsecs (ly to pc) with our instant calculator. 1 ly = 0.306601 pc. Includes exact formula and reference tables.

How to Convert Light-Years to Parsecs (ly to pc)

1 Light-Year (ly) is equal to 0.306601 Parsecs (pc). Multiply the light-year value by 0.3066013938

Quick Answer 1 ly = 0.306601 pc

Formula pc = ly × 0.3066013938

Inverse Factor 1 pc = 3.261564 ly

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 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).

About Parsecs (pc): Parsec (pc) is a unit in the Length & Distance measurement category. It is widely used in astrophysics (~3.26 light-years). Relative to the length & distance base unit, 1 pc equals 30856775814913672 Meters (m).

Need to convert in the opposite direction? Visit our Convert Parsecs to Light-Years (pc to ly) calculator (1 pc = 3.261564 ly).

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

Convert 5 Light-Years to Parsecs: Applying the formula (pc = ly × 0.3066013938): starting with 5 ly, multiply the light-year value by 0.3066013938 to get 1.533 pc.
Convert 10 Light-Years to Parsecs: Applying the formula (pc = ly × 0.3066013938): starting with 10 ly, multiply the light-year value by 0.3066013938 to get 3.066 pc.
Convert 50 Light-Years to Parsecs: Applying the formula (pc = ly × 0.3066013938): starting with 50 ly, multiply the light-year value by 0.3066013938 to get 15.3301 pc.

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 light-years to parsecs.

How many parsecs are in 1 light-year?

There are 0.306601 parsecs (pc) in 1 light-year (ly). Conversely, 1 parsec equals 3.261564 light-years.

How do you convert light-years to parsecs?

To convert light-years (ly) to parsecs (pc), use the formula: pc = ly × 0.3066013938. Multiply the light-year value by 0.3066013938. For example, 10 ly equals 3.066 pc.

How do I convert back from parsecs to light-years?

To convert in the reverse direction from parsecs (pc) to light-years (ly), use the inverse formula: ly = pc × 3.261563777. Multiply the parsec value by 3.261563777 (1 pc = 3.261564 ly).

What is the difference between light-year (ly) and parsec (pc)?

Both light-year and parsec measure length & distance. 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). Parsec (pc) is a unit in the Length & Distance measurement category. It is widely used in astrophysics (~3.26 light-years). Relative to the length & distance base unit, 1 pc equals 30856775814913672 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).