Length · Unit Converter

Convert Astronomical Unit to Earth's Equatorial Radius

Convert astronomical units to earth's equatorial radii instantly. 1 astronomical unit = 23454.7910620296 earth's equatorial radius — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Earth's Equatorial Radius to Astronomical Unit converter for the reverse conversion.

Written by Sunith Babu L, Ph.D., Lead Engineer Reviewed by Girish V Kulkarni Ph.D.
Length category 2 min read Published Last reviewed Updated

Units explained

Astronomical

Astronomical Unit

What is a astronomical unit?

The astronomical unit (AU) is a unit of length equal to exactly 149,597,870,700 meters, approximately the average distance from Earth to the Sun. It is the fundamental unit for distance within the solar system.

Origin of the astronomical unit

The AU was originally defined as the semi-major axis of Earth's orbit. In 2012, IAU Resolution B2 redefined the AU as exactly 149,597,870,700 meters, severing its dependence on the actual fluctuating Earth–Sun distance.

Where it is used

AUs are used to express distances within the solar system (Mars: 1.5 AU, Pluto: ~40 AU at perihelion), exoplanet orbital radii, and other planetary-scale distances. Standard in planetary science and astronomy.

When and where it was developed

Original definition tied to Earth's orbit (Newton, 17th century); fixed at exactly 149,597,870,700 m by IAU Resolution B2 in 2012.

Astronomical

Earth's Equatorial Radius

What is a earth's equatorial radius?

Earth's equatorial radius is the distance from the planet's center to its surface at the equator, defined as exactly 6,378,137 meters by the WGS84 geodetic reference system.

Origin of the earth's equatorial radius

The WGS84 (World Geodetic System 1984) defines Earth's reference ellipsoid for use in GPS and global cartography. The 6,378,137 m equatorial value was determined through satellite and ground geodetic measurements consolidated in 1984.

Where it is used

WGS84's equatorial radius is the standard reference for GPS, satellite imagery, geographic information systems, and aviation navigation. It defines the 'a' parameter of Earth's reference ellipsoid in coordinate transformations.

When and where it was developed

WGS84 reference ellipsoid adopted in 1984 by the US Department of Defense; subsequently adopted globally for GPS and civilian geodesy.

Astronomical Unit to Earth's Equatorial Radius conversion formula

The relationship between astronomical units and earth's equatorial radii:

1 AU = 23454.7910620296 R⊕,eq
1 R⊕,eq = 4.263521e-5 AU

To convert astronomical units to earth's equatorial radii, multiply the value in astronomical units by 23454.7910620296. To reverse, multiply earth's equatorial radii by 4.263521e-5.

How to use this converter

Type a value into the calculator. The result in earth's equatorial radii updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Earth's Equatorial Radius to Astronomical Unit converter for the reverse direction.

Step-by-step: convert astronomical units to earth's equatorial radii

  1. Write down the value in astronomical units (AU).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 23454.7910620296.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in earth's equatorial radii (R⊕,eq).
  4. To reverse, multiply the earth's equatorial radius value by 4.263521e-5.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 AU to R⊕,eq:
1 × 23454.7910620296 = 23454.7910620296 R⊕,eq

Example 2 — Convert 100 AU to R⊕,eq:
100 × 23454.7910620296 = 2345479.1062029554 R⊕,eq

Astronomical Unit to Earth's Equatorial Radius conversion table

Standard reference values for converting astronomical units to earth's equatorial radii:

Astronomical Unit [AU]Earth's Equatorial Radius [R⊕,eq]
0.01234.5479106203
0.12345.479106203
123454.7910620296
246909.5821240591
370364.3731860887
493819.1642481182
5117273.9553101478
10234547.9106202956
20469095.8212405911
30703643.7318608867
40938191.6424811822
501172739.5531014777
1002345479.1062029554
5001.17274e+7
10002.345479e+7

Frequently asked questions

How many earth's equatorial radii is 1 astronomical unit?
1 astronomical unit equals 23454.7910620296 earth's equatorial radius.
How do I convert astronomical units to earth's equatorial radii?
Multiply the value in astronomical units by 23454.7910620296 to get earth's equatorial radii.
How do I convert earth's equatorial radii back to astronomical units?
Multiply the value in earth's equatorial radii by 4.263521e-5, or use the Earth's Equatorial Radius to Astronomical Unit converter.
How many earth's equatorial radii is 100 astronomical units?
100 astronomical units equals 2345479.1062029554 earth's equatorial radii, because 100 × 23454.7910620296 = 2345479.1062029554.

Convert Astronomical Unit to other length units

Show all Astronomical Unit conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 AU = 23454.7910620296 R⊕,eq) verified against the following authoritative sources:

Results are provided for general reference. Verify critical measurements against an authoritative standard.