Convert Kiloparsec to Kilometer
Convert kiloparsecs to kilometers instantly. 1 kiloparsec = 3.085678e+16 kilometer — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Kilometer 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.
Kilometer
A kilometer is a metric unit of length equal to one thousand meters. It is the standard unit for measuring road distances, geographic distances, and other large-scale measurements in metric countries.
The kilometer was defined alongside the meter in 1795 using the standard SI prefix kilo- (from Greek chilioi, "thousand"), denoting one thousand units.
Kilometers are used worldwide (except the United States and a few others) for road signage, geographic distance, athletic events, and scientific distances at planetary scale. Speed limits in most countries are given in km/h.
Adopted 1795 in France as part of the original metric system; the kilometer became the global standard for road and geographic distance through the 19th and 20th century metric adoption.
Kiloparsec to Kilometer conversion formula
The relationship between kiloparsecs and kilometers:
To convert kiloparsecs to kilometers, multiply the value in kiloparsecs by 3.085678e+16. To reverse, multiply kilometers by 3.240779e-17.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in kilometers updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Kilometer to Kiloparsec converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert kiloparsecs to kilometers
- Write down the value in kiloparsecs (kpc).
- Multiply that value by the factor 3.085678e+16.
- The product is the equivalent value in kilometers (km).
- To reverse, multiply the kilometer value by 3.240779e-17.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 kpc to km:
1 × 3.085678e+16 = 3.085678e+16 km
Example 2 — Convert 100 kpc to km:
100 × 3.085678e+16 = 3.085678e+18 km
Kiloparsec to Kilometer conversion table
Standard reference values for converting kiloparsecs to kilometers:
| Kiloparsec [kpc] | Kilometer [km] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 3.085678e+14 |
| 0.1 | 3.085678e+15 |
| 1 | 3.085678e+16 |
| 2 | 6.171355e+16 |
| 3 | 9.257033e+16 |
| 4 | 1.234271e+17 |
| 5 | 1.542839e+17 |
| 10 | 3.085678e+17 |
| 20 | 6.171355e+17 |
| 30 | 9.257033e+17 |
| 40 | 1.234271e+18 |
| 50 | 1.542839e+18 |
| 100 | 3.085678e+18 |
| 500 | 1.542839e+19 |
| 1000 | 3.085678e+19 |
Frequently asked questions
How many kilometers is 1 kiloparsec?
How do I convert kiloparsecs to kilometers?
How do I convert kilometers back to kiloparsecs?
How many kilometers is 100 kiloparsecs?
Popular length unit conversions
Convert Kiloparsec to other length units
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Metric / SI (4 units)
Imperial / US Customary (4 units)
Astronomical (8 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 kpc = 3.085678e+16 km) 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.