Convert Kiloparsec to Megaparsec
Convert kiloparsecs to megaparsecs instantly. 1 kiloparsec = 0.001 megaparsec — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Megaparsec 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.
Megaparsec
A megaparsec is a distance unit equal to one million parsecs (about 3.09×10²² m). It is the standard unit for cosmological-scale distances.
Combines the metric-style prefix mega- with the parsec. Standardised in astronomy for inter-galactic distances and cosmological calculations.
Megaparsecs are used in cosmology to express distances to other galaxies (Andromeda is ~0.78 Mpc), galaxy-cluster separations, and the Hubble constant (typically quoted as ~70 km/s per Mpc).
Exact via the parsec; the megaparsec is the standard scale unit in modern cosmology.
Kiloparsec to Megaparsec conversion formula
The relationship between kiloparsecs and megaparsecs:
To convert kiloparsecs to megaparsecs, multiply the value in kiloparsecs by 0.001. To reverse, multiply megaparsecs by 1000.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in megaparsecs updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Megaparsec to Kiloparsec converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert kiloparsecs to megaparsecs
- Write down the value in kiloparsecs (kpc).
- Multiply that value by the factor 0.001.
- The product is the equivalent value in megaparsecs (Mpc).
- To reverse, multiply the megaparsec value by 1000.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 kpc to Mpc:
1 × 0.001 = 0.001 Mpc
Example 2 — Convert 100 kpc to Mpc:
100 × 0.001 = 0.1 Mpc
Kiloparsec to Megaparsec conversion table
Standard reference values for converting kiloparsecs to megaparsecs:
| Kiloparsec [kpc] | Megaparsec [Mpc] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 1e-5 |
| 0.1 | 0.0001 |
| 1 | 0.001 |
| 2 | 0.002 |
| 3 | 0.003 |
| 4 | 0.004 |
| 5 | 0.005 |
| 10 | 0.01 |
| 20 | 0.02 |
| 30 | 0.03 |
| 40 | 0.04 |
| 50 | 0.05 |
| 100 | 0.1 |
| 500 | 0.5 |
| 1000 | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
How many megaparsecs is 1 kiloparsec?
How do I convert kiloparsecs to megaparsecs?
How do I convert megaparsecs back to kiloparsecs?
How many megaparsecs is 100 kiloparsecs?
Popular length unit conversions
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Metric / SI (4 units)
Imperial / US Customary (4 units)
Astronomical (8 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 kpc = 0.001 Mpc) 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.