Convert Kiloparsec to Parsec
Convert kiloparsecs to parsecs instantly. 1 kiloparsec = 1000 parsec — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Parsec 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.
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.
Kiloparsec to Parsec conversion formula
The relationship between kiloparsecs and parsecs:
To convert kiloparsecs to parsecs, multiply the value in kiloparsecs by 1000. To reverse, multiply parsecs by 0.001.
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 Kiloparsec converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert kiloparsecs to parsecs
- Write down the value in kiloparsecs (kpc).
- Multiply that value by the factor 1000.
- The product is the equivalent value in parsecs (pc).
- To reverse, multiply the parsec value by 0.001.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 kpc to pc:
1 × 1000 = 1000 pc
Example 2 — Convert 100 kpc to pc:
100 × 1000 = 100000 pc
Kiloparsec to Parsec conversion table
Standard reference values for converting kiloparsecs to parsecs:
| Kiloparsec [kpc] | Parsec [pc] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 10 |
| 0.1 | 100 |
| 1 | 1000 |
| 2 | 2000 |
| 3 | 3000 |
| 4 | 4000 |
| 5 | 5000 |
| 10 | 10000 |
| 20 | 20000 |
| 30 | 30000 |
| 40 | 40000 |
| 50 | 50000 |
| 100 | 100000 |
| 500 | 500000 |
| 1000 | 1000000 |
Frequently asked questions
How many parsecs is 1 kiloparsec?
How do I convert kiloparsecs to parsecs?
How do I convert parsecs back to kiloparsecs?
How many parsecs 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 = 1000 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.