Convert Dekameter to Petameter
Convert dekameters to petameters instantly. 1 dekameter = 1e-14 petameter — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Petameter to Dekameter converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
Dekameter
A dekameter (also spelled decameter) is a metric unit of length equal to ten meters (10 m). It is one of the less commonly used SI prefix units and primarily appears in agricultural, surveying, and atmospheric contexts.
The dekameter was defined alongside the meter when France adopted the metric system in 1795, using the standard SI prefix deca- (from Greek deka, ten) to denote a multiplication by ten.
Dekameters are used in some European agricultural contexts (parcel sizes, field measurements), atmospheric science (cloud heights), and certain track and field events. Modern usage is uncommon outside specialised technical fields.
Adopted in 1795 in France; ratified through the Metre Convention of 1875; remains a recognised SI prefix unit although informally superseded by the more common meter and hectometer in everyday surveying.
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.
Dekameter to Petameter conversion formula
The relationship between dekameters and petameters:
To convert dekameters to petameters, multiply the value in dekameters by 1e-14. To reverse, multiply petameters by 1e+14.
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 Dekameter converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert dekameters to petameters
- Write down the value in dekameters (dam).
- Multiply that value by the factor 1e-14.
- The product is the equivalent value in petameters (Pm).
- To reverse, multiply the petameter value by 1e+14.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 dam to Pm:
1 × 1e-14 = 1e-14 Pm
Example 2 — Convert 100 dam to Pm:
100 × 1e-14 = 1e-12 Pm
Dekameter to Petameter conversion table
Standard reference values for converting dekameters to petameters:
| Dekameter [dam] | Petameter [Pm] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 1e-16 |
| 0.1 | 1e-15 |
| 1 | 1e-14 |
| 2 | 2e-14 |
| 3 | 3e-14 |
| 4 | 4e-14 |
| 5 | 5e-14 |
| 10 | 1e-13 |
| 20 | 2e-13 |
| 30 | 3e-13 |
| 40 | 4e-13 |
| 50 | 5e-13 |
| 100 | 1e-12 |
| 500 | 5e-12 |
| 1000 | 1e-11 |
Frequently asked questions
How many petameters is 1 dekameter?
How do I convert dekameters to petameters?
How do I convert petameters back to dekameters?
How many petameters is 100 dekameters?
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Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 dam = 1e-14 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 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.