Distance to Andromeda
This is the distance between the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy, our nearest large galactic neighbour.
How big is it?
766.5 kpc · distance
Distance · approximate
A little perspective
Distance to Andromeda vs Local Group: length comparison
The diameter of the Local Group is about 4 times the distance to Andromeda.
This is the distance between the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy, our nearest large galactic neighbour.
The Local Group is a collection of galaxies that includes the Milky Way, Andromeda, and several smaller galaxies.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions. A ruler represents the selected distance or a measurement not visible in this view.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Distance to Andromeda
Distance: 766.5 kpc; approximate.
Approximate distance to our large galactic neighbour. This measures separation, not the galaxy’s diameter.
The marked distance is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Local Group
Diameter: 3.066 Mpc; rounded reference.
A rounded 10 million light-year span for the neighbourhood of galaxies. Galaxy groups have no solid edge.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked diameter is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 766.5 kpc
We compare the distance to Andromeda. This is an estimate; check the notes for its rounding and uncertainty.
Approximate distance to our large galactic neighbour. This measures separation, not the galaxy’s diameter.
The marked horizontal span follows the measured feature, not the edges of the image. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 766.5 kpc | Not recorded | approximate |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valuePlanets, moons and spaceAndromeda galaxy79.72 kpcDiameterThe Andromeda galaxy, also called M31, is the nearest large spiral galaxy to the Milky Way.
Nearest higher valuePlanets, moons and spaceLocal Group3.066 MpcDiameterThe Local Group is a collection of galaxies that includes the Milky Way, Andromeda, and several smaller galaxies.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NASA — The galaxy next doorDistance about 2.5 million ly; UV extent about 260,000 ly. A galaxy boundary depends on the observing method.
More ways to see it
Curated comparisons
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
SpaceEarth–Sun distance1 AUThe Earth–Sun distance, or astronomical unit, is the standard measure of separation between Earth and the Sun used in astronomy.SpaceMilky Way30.66 kpcThe Milky Way is a spiral galaxy containing hundreds of billions of stars, including our Solar System.
SpaceObservable universe28.21 GpcThe observable universe is the region from which light or other signals have had time to reach us since the early universe.SpaceLocal Group3.066 MpcThe Local Group is a collection of galaxies that includes the Milky Way, Andromeda, and several smaller galaxies.SpaceAndromeda galaxy79.72 kpcThe Andromeda galaxy, also called M31, is the nearest large spiral galaxy to the Milky Way.
SpaceDistance to the Virgo Cluster16.56 MpcThis is the distance from the Milky Way to the Virgo Cluster, a nearby large cluster of galaxies.SpaceDistance to the galactic centre7.972 kpcThis is the distance from the Solar System to the centre of the Milky Way galaxy.
SpaceLaniakea-scale region159.4 MpcLaniakea is a vast region of interconnected galaxy clusters defined by shared gravitational flows.