Kilocalories to Joules converter
Convert kilocalories (kcal) to joules (J) — results update instantly as you type.
Kilocalories to Joules
To
1 kcal = 4,184 J
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How to convert Kilocalories to Joules
Energy appears as joules in physics, calories in nutrition, and kilowatt hours on electricity bills. All measure the same thing — the capacity to do work — just at very different scales.
Everything converts through the joule. One (small) calorie is exactly 4.184 joules, a food Calorie (kcal) is 4,184 joules, and one kilowatt hour is exactly 3.6 million joules.
Formula
kcal × 4,184 = J
Multiply your kilocalories value by 4,184 to get joules. For the reverse, divide by the same factor.
Kilocalories to Joules conversion table
| Kilocalories | Joules |
|---|---|
| 1 kcal | 4,184 J |
| 2 kcal | 8,368 J |
| 5 kcal | 20,920 J |
| 10 kcal | 41,840 J |
| 25 kcal | 104,600 J |
| 100 kcal | 418,400 J |
Common use cases
- Comparing food energy (kcal) with exercise burn
- Understanding electricity bills in kWh
- Physics and engineering calculations in joules
- Battery capacity comparisons in watt hours
Frequently asked questions
A food Calorie (capital C) is actually a kilocalorie — 1,000 small calories. Nutrition labels always mean kilocalories.