Convert Kiloparsec to Astronomical Unit
Convert kiloparsecs to astronomical units instantly. 1 kiloparsec = 2.062648e+8 astronomical unit — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Astronomical Unit to Kiloparsec converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
Kiloparsec
A kiloparsec is a distance unit equal to 1,000 parsecs (about 3.09×10¹⁹ m). It is used to express galactic-scale distances.
Combines the metric-style prefix kilo- with the parsec. Standardised in astronomy as the natural unit for distances within and between galaxies.
Kiloparsecs are used to express galactic radii (the Milky Way is roughly 8 kpc from center to Sun), galactic-cluster scales, and distances within the Local Group.
Exact via the parsec; standardised by IAU 2015 along with parsec.
Astronomical Unit
The astronomical unit (AU) is a unit of length equal to exactly 149,597,870,700 meters, approximately the average distance from Earth to the Sun. It is the fundamental unit for distance within the solar system.
The AU was originally defined as the semi-major axis of Earth's orbit. In 2012, IAU Resolution B2 redefined the AU as exactly 149,597,870,700 meters, severing its dependence on the actual fluctuating Earth–Sun distance.
AUs are used to express distances within the solar system (Mars: 1.5 AU, Pluto: ~40 AU at perihelion), exoplanet orbital radii, and other planetary-scale distances. Standard in planetary science and astronomy.
Original definition tied to Earth's orbit (Newton, 17th century); fixed at exactly 149,597,870,700 m by IAU Resolution B2 in 2012.
Kiloparsec to Astronomical Unit conversion formula
The relationship between kiloparsecs and astronomical units:
To convert kiloparsecs to astronomical units, multiply the value in kiloparsecs by 2.062648e+8. To reverse, multiply astronomical units by 4.848137e-9.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in astronomical units updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Astronomical Unit to Kiloparsec converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert kiloparsecs to astronomical units
- Write down the value in kiloparsecs (kpc).
- Multiply that value by the factor 2.062648e+8.
- The product is the equivalent value in astronomical units (AU).
- To reverse, multiply the astronomical unit value by 4.848137e-9.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 kpc to AU:
1 × 2.062648e+8 = 2.062648e+8 AU
Example 2 — Convert 100 kpc to AU:
100 × 2.062648e+8 = 2.062648e+10 AU
Kiloparsec to Astronomical Unit conversion table
Standard reference values for converting kiloparsecs to astronomical units:
| Kiloparsec [kpc] | Astronomical Unit [AU] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 2062648.0624709635 |
| 0.1 | 2.062648e+7 |
| 1 | 2.062648e+8 |
| 2 | 4.125296e+8 |
| 3 | 6.187944e+8 |
| 4 | 8.250592e+8 |
| 5 | 1.031324e+9 |
| 10 | 2.062648e+9 |
| 20 | 4.125296e+9 |
| 30 | 6.187944e+9 |
| 40 | 8.250592e+9 |
| 50 | 1.031324e+10 |
| 100 | 2.062648e+10 |
| 500 | 1.031324e+11 |
| 1000 | 2.062648e+11 |
Frequently asked questions
How many astronomical units is 1 kiloparsec?
How do I convert kiloparsecs to astronomical units?
How do I convert astronomical units back to kiloparsecs?
How many astronomical units is 100 kiloparsecs?
Popular length unit conversions
Convert Kiloparsec to other length units
Show all Kiloparsec conversions
Metric / SI (4 units)
Imperial / US Customary (4 units)
Astronomical (8 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 kpc = 2.062648e+8 AU) 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.