Parsecs to Light Years Converter

Convert parsecs to light years with accurate formulas, examples and conversion tables.

Length conversion

Calculator

Results update instantly. Use Calculate to confirm the current conversion.

Decimals and negative values are supported.

Result

3.26156378 ly

1 pc ≈ 3.26156378 ly

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Conversion table

Common parsecs to light years values, generated from the selected units.

parsecs (pc)light years (ly)
1 parsec3.26156378 light years
5 parsecs16.30781889 light years
10 parsecs32.61563777 light years
20 parsecs65.23127554 light years
50 parsecs163.07818886 light years
100 parsecs326.15637772 light years

Conversion Formula

Multiply the value in parsecs by 3.261563777167 to get light years.

Formulaly = pc × 3.261563777167

Example

Convert 1 parsec to light years:

1 × 3.261563777167= 3.26156378 ly

Unit information

Concise reference information for the selected source and target units.

Parsec (pc)

Scientific
1 pc = 3.085677581491e16 m
Definition
One parsec is approximately 3.0857 × 10¹⁶ meters.
Usage
Used by astronomers for stellar and galactic distances.

Light year (ly)

Scientific
1 ly = 9.460730472581e15 m
Definition
A light year is the distance light travels in vacuum during one Julian year.
Usage
Used to describe distances between stars and other objects beyond the solar system.

Frequently asked questions

How many light years are in 1 parsec?

1 parsec equals 3.261563777167 light years.

How do you convert parsecs to light years?

Multiply the value in parsecs by 3.261563777167 to get light years. The formula is ly = pc × 3.261563777167.

What is 10 parsecs in light years?

10 parsecs is approximately 32.61563777 light years.