How to use the stellar parallax distance calculator
Find the distance to a star from its parallax angle. Enter parallax in the field above; the distance, distance are computed instantly and plotted on the chart so you can see how the answer changes.
Formula
Variables
- p — Parallax (arcsec)
Worked example
With parallax = 0.768 arcsec, the calculator gives distance ≈ 1.302083 parsecs; distance ≈ 4.246823 light-years.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for the stellar parallax distance calculation?
Distance (parsecs) = 1 / p. Distance (light-years) = [Distance] × 3.26156. Here p is parallax (arcsec).
What inputs do I need for the stellar parallax distance calculator?
You need parallax in arcsec. Each field is pre-filled with a typical example so you can see how the result responds as you edit the numbers.
How do I use this calculator?
Type values into the input fields. Results and the chart update instantly. Use Reset to restore the example values, Copy results to paste them elsewhere, or Share to copy a link that preserves your inputs.
Is the result exact?
Calculations use standard formulas and double-precision arithmetic, then display about seven significant figures. Real-world measurements carry uncertainty, so treat results as estimates unless your inputs are exact.