Convert Centimeter to Parsec
Convert centimeters to parsecs instantly. 1 centimeter = 3.240779e-19 parsec — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Parsec to Centimeter converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
Centimeter
A centimeter is a metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter (1/100 m). It is one of the most commonly used SI sub-units in daily life, especially for measuring small objects, body dimensions, paper sizes, and short distances.
The centimeter emerged from the French metric system established by the French Academy of Sciences in 1793. The metric system introduced decimal-based prefixes (milli-, centi-, deci-, deca-, hecto-, kilo-) to create proportional sub-units of the meter.
Centimeters are the standard unit for everyday measurement in nearly every country outside the United States. They are used for body height, clothing sizes, rainfall, paper formats (A4 is 21 × 29.7 cm), screen dimensions, and most consumer product specifications.
Developed in France during the late 18th century as part of the metric system designed by the French Academy of Sciences. Formally adopted in France in 1795 and ratified internationally through the Metre Convention signed in Paris in 1875.
Parsec
A parsec (parallax-second) is a distance unit equal to 648,000/π astronomical units — approximately 3.086×10¹⁶ m (3.26 light years). It is the standard distance unit in professional astronomy.
Defined as the distance at which one astronomical unit subtends an angle of one arcsecond. IAU Resolution B2 in 2015 made this an exact definition: 1 pc = (648,000/π) AU.
Parsecs are used in professional astronomy for stellar distances (Proxima Centauri ≈ 1.3 pc), galactic-scale distances (with prefixes kiloparsec and megaparsec), and parallax measurements. Standard since the early 20th century.
Concept introduced by Herbert Hall Turner in 1913; exact definition via the AU adopted by IAU Resolution B2 in 2015.
Centimeter to Parsec conversion formula
The relationship between centimeters and parsecs:
To convert centimeters to parsecs, multiply the value in centimeters by 3.240779e-19. To reverse, multiply parsecs by 3.085678e+18.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in parsecs updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Parsec to Centimeter converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert centimeters to parsecs
- Write down the value in centimeters (cm).
- Multiply that value by the factor 3.240779e-19.
- The product is the equivalent value in parsecs (pc).
- To reverse, multiply the parsec value by 3.085678e+18.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 cm to pc:
1 × 3.240779e-19 = 3.240779e-19 pc
Example 2 — Convert 100 cm to pc:
100 × 3.240779e-19 = 3.240779e-17 pc
Real-world example — Postcard and small-object dimensions
A postcard is about 5 centimeters wide. Converting to parsecs is essential for international postal addressing forms that ask for dimensions in different units across countries.
5 cm × 3.240779e-19 = 1.62039e-18 pc
Real-world example — Ruler-scale measurements
A 30-centimeter school ruler converts cleanly to parsecs — useful when buying a desk accessory from a retailer whose product specs use a different unit.
30 cm × 3.240779e-19 = 9.722338e-18 pc
Real-world example — Hardware-scale dimensions
A 10-centimeter fastener or component is about as long as a thumbnail. Mechanics and DIY enthusiasts convert between centimeters and parsecs daily when mixing metric and imperial tools.
10 cm × 3.240779e-19 = 3.240779e-18 pc
Centimeter to Parsec conversion table
Standard reference values for converting centimeters to parsecs:
| Centimeter [cm] | Parsec [pc] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 3.240779e-21 |
| 0.1 | 3.240779e-20 |
| 1 | 3.240779e-19 |
| 2 | 6.481559e-19 |
| 3 | 9.722338e-19 |
| 4 | 1.296312e-18 |
| 5 | 1.62039e-18 |
| 10 | 3.240779e-18 |
| 20 | 6.481559e-18 |
| 30 | 9.722338e-18 |
| 40 | 1.296312e-17 |
| 50 | 1.62039e-17 |
| 100 | 3.240779e-17 |
| 500 | 1.62039e-16 |
| 1000 | 3.240779e-16 |
Frequently asked questions
How many parsecs is 1 centimeter?
How do I convert centimeters to parsecs?
How do I convert parsecs back to centimeters?
How many parsecs is 100 centimeters?
Popular length unit conversions
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Metric / SI (17 units)
Imperial / US Customary (27 units)
Nautical (1 units)
Astronomical (9 units)
Atomic / Physics (6 units)
Typographic (3 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 cm = 3.240779e-19 pc) 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 Astronomical Union — System of Astronomical Constants
The IAU defines astronomical units including the AU (149597870700 m exactly) light-year and parsec used in astronomy and astrophysics.