Light-year is a length unit used to express distance, size or travel range in practical measurement work.
Light-year became established as a practical length unit in technical, commercial or scientific use.
Measurement system: Metric, imperial and internationally standardized length usage. SI equivalent: 1 ly = 9.460730e+15 m.
Light-year facts
- Unit name
- Light-year
- Symbol
- ly
- Category
- Length
- Measurement system
- Metric, imperial and internationally standardized length usage
- SI equivalent
- 1 ly = 9.460730e+15 m
- Common uses
- Distance, dimensions, navigation and physical measurement
Definition of the light-year
Light-year is a length unit used to express distance, size or travel range in practical measurement work.
Measurement system and SI relationship
Metric, imperial and internationally standardized length usage
SI equivalent: 1 ly = 9.460730e+15 m
History of the light-year
Light-year became established as a practical length unit in technical, commercial or scientific use.
Where is the light-year used?
Distance, dimensions, navigation and physical measurement
Light-year conversion tools
Sources
The definitions and conversion relationships on this page are aligned with standard metrology and SI reference material.