Convert Gigameter to Petameter
Convert gigameters to petameters instantly. 1 gigameter = 1e-6 petameter — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Petameter to Gigameter converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
Gigameter
A gigameter is a metric unit of length equal to one billion meters (1×10⁹ m). It is most often used in astronomy and astrophysics when expressing distances within the inner solar system.
The gigameter uses the SI prefix giga- (from Greek gigas, giant), adopted by the CGPM in 1960 to denote multiplication by one billion (10⁹).
Gigameters are used to express distances such as the Sun's diameter (~1.39 Gm), the Earth–Moon distance (~0.384 Gm), and similar inner-solar-system scales. Astronomical units and light-seconds are also common for these distances.
SI prefix giga- adopted in 1960; the gigameter became standard in astronomy for sub-AU distances by the late 20th century.
Petameter
A petameter is a metric unit of length equal to one quadrillion meters (1×10¹⁵ m). It is rarely used in everyday or scientific contexts; astronomers prefer the light-year or parsec for these scales.
The petameter uses the SI prefix peta- (from Greek penta, five, by analogy with the exponent's relation to thousand-cubed-cubed), adopted by the CGPM in 1975 to denote 10¹⁵.
Petameters could express interstellar-scale distances but are almost never used in practice. A light-year is approximately 9.46 Pm; astronomy uses light-years and parsecs as standard.
SI prefix peta- adopted in 1975; the petameter is rarely used because astronomy has well-established non-SI units (light-year, parsec) for this scale.
Gigameter to Petameter conversion formula
The relationship between gigameters and petameters:
To convert gigameters to petameters, multiply the value in gigameters by 1e-6. To reverse, multiply petameters by 1000000.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in petameters updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Petameter to Gigameter converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert gigameters to petameters
- Write down the value in gigameters (Gm).
- Multiply that value by the factor 1e-6.
- The product is the equivalent value in petameters (Pm).
- To reverse, multiply the petameter value by 1000000.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 Gm to Pm:
1 × 1e-6 = 1e-6 Pm
Example 2 — Convert 100 Gm to Pm:
100 × 1e-6 = 1e-4 Pm
Gigameter to Petameter conversion table
Standard reference values for converting gigameters to petameters:
| Gigameter [Gm] | Petameter [Pm] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 1e-8 |
| 0.1 | 1e-7 |
| 1 | 1e-6 |
| 2 | 2e-6 |
| 3 | 3e-6 |
| 4 | 4e-6 |
| 5 | 5e-6 |
| 10 | 1e-5 |
| 20 | 2e-5 |
| 30 | 3e-5 |
| 40 | 4e-5 |
| 50 | 5e-5 |
| 100 | 1e-4 |
| 500 | 0.0005 |
| 1000 | 0.001 |
Frequently asked questions
How many petameters is 1 gigameter?
How do I convert gigameters to petameters?
How do I convert petameters back to gigameters?
How many petameters is 100 gigameters?
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Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 Gm = 1e-6 Pm) verified against the following authoritative sources:
- BIPM — The International System of Units (SI Brochure 9th ed.)
Official BIPM publication defining the seven SI base units (including the meter) and the rules for their use. The global authority on units of measurement.
- NIST — Guide to the SI
US National Institute of Standards and Technology reference covering the SI base and derived units with definitions and usage rules for US technical practice.
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units
Detailed NIST guide covering exact conversion factors between SI and US customary units along with formatting and rounding conventions.
- NIST — Refinement of values for the yard and pound (Federal Register 1959)
The treaty (signed by US
- International Hydrographic Organization — Resolution on the Nautical Mile
International authority that standardised the nautical mile at exactly 1852 m in 1929 — the value adopted worldwide for sea and air navigation.