Decijoule is 0.1 joule units.
Decijoules to Calories Converter — dJ to cal
Convert Decijoule (dJ) to Calorie (cal) using the exact conversion factor (1 decijoule = 0.0239005736 calorie). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Decijoules to Calories converter
Converter
Energy Converter
Convert joules, calories, kilowatt-hours, BTU, electronvolts, therms, and mechanical work units.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
A thermochemical calorie is 4.184 joules.
Result = input x 0.1 / 4.184.
Energy uses the joule as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Decijoules to Calories
Decijoule and Calorie both measure energy, and the conversion is especially useful for comparing nutrition labels (kilocalories) against scientific energy figures (joules). Specifically: Decijoule is 0.1 joule units, and a thermochemical calorie is 4.184 joules.
Formula
calories = decijoules × 0.0239005736138
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 decijoule equals 0.1 base units, and 1 calorie equals 4.184 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct decijoule-to-calorie factor of 0.0239005736138.
Simple example
1 dJ × 0.02390057361 = 0.0239005736 cal
1 decijoule = 0.0239005736 calories.
Real-world example
100 dJ × 0.02390057361 = 2.390057361 cal
100 decijoules = 2.390057361 calories.
Conversion table
| Decijoule (dJ) | Calorie (cal) |
|---|---|
| 1 dJ | 0.0239005736 cal |
| 10 dJ | 0.2390057361 cal |
| 100 dJ | 2.390057361 cal |
| 500 dJ | 11.95028681 cal |
| 1,000 dJ | 23.90057361 cal |
| 2,000 dJ | 47.80114723 cal |
Reverse conversion: Calorie to Decijoule
0.0239005736 cal × 41.84 = 0.9999999994 dJ
0.0239005736 calories = 0.9999999994 decijoules.
decijoules = calories × 41.84
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Calorie to Decijoule.
Understanding the Decijoule (dJ)
Decijoule is 0.1 joule units.
Understanding the Calorie
Calorie (cal) measures energy. The thermochemical calorie used in this converter is defined as exactly 4.184 joules. It is classified as a Non-SI unit (limited use with SI).
Where it's used: Nutrition labeling in the US and several other countries still commonly uses the kilocalorie (as 'Calorie')
Calorie vs. Calorie (kilocalorie). Food labels' capitalized 'Calorie' is actually one kilocalorie (1,000 small calories) — a long-standing labeling convention that causes frequent confusion.
Uses of the Calorie today
- Food energy labeling (as kilocalories, often written 'Calories')
- Historical chemistry and thermodynamics contexts
History of the Calorie
The calorie was originally defined in the early 19th century as the heat needed to raise one gram of water by one degree Celsius, but different scientific traditions defined it at slightly different reference temperatures, producing several close but non-identical 'calorie' values historically (15 °C calorie, mean calorie, thermochemical calorie).
To resolve this ambiguity, the thermochemical calorie was fixed by convention at exactly 4.184 joules; the very similar International Table calorie is fixed at exactly 4.1868 joules. The nutritional 'Calorie' seen on food labels is actually a kilocalorie (1,000 calories).
Historical origin. Calorie was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Calorie — sources
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Documents the thermochemical calorie's exact joule equivalence.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many calories are in 1 decijoule?
1 decijoule equals 0.0239005736 calories, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert decijoule to calorie?
Multiply the decijoule value by 0.02390057361. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert calorie back to decijoule?
Use the reverse factor: 1 calorie equals 41.84 decijoules. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a decijoule?
Decijoule (dJ) is a unit of energy.
What is a calorie?
Calorie (cal) measures energy. The thermochemical calorie used in this converter is defined as exactly 4.184 joules. It is classified as a Non-SI unit (limited use with SI).
Is the decijoule to calorie conversion exact?
Yes. The thermochemical calorie used in this converter is defined as exactly 4.184 joules. That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.
What is the difference between calorie vs. calorie (kilocalorie)?
Food labels' capitalized 'Calorie' is actually one kilocalorie (1,000 small calories) — a long-standing labeling convention that causes frequent confusion.