The joule (J) is the SI derived unit of energy, equal to the work done when a force of one newton acts over one meter.
Joules to Calories
Convert Joule (J) to Calorie (cal) instantly with an exact formula, conversion table, and FAQ.
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Convert joules (J) to calories (cal) instantly with formula, conversion table, and FAQ.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
A (small) calorie is a thermochemical unit of heat energy equal to 4.184 joules, historically the energy needed to raise 1 gram of water by 1°C.
cal = J × 0.2390057361
Results update instantly for Joules to Calories conversions.
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Formula
cal = J × 0.2390057361
J = cal × 4.184
Conversion table
| 1 J | 0.239006 cal |
| 5 J | 1.195029 cal |
| 10 J | 2.390057 cal |
| 20 J | 4.780115 cal |
| 50 J | 11.950287 cal |
| 100 J | 23.900574 cal |
| 500 J | 119.502868 cal |
| 1000 J | 239.005736 cal |
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How the formula works
Both joule and calorie measure the same physical quantity, so converting between them is a single multiplication. Multiply a value in joules by 0.2390057361 to get calories. To reverse the conversion, multiply a calorie value by 4.184 to get back to joules.
Frequently asked questions
What is Joule (J)?
The joule (J) is the SI derived unit of energy, equal to the work done when a force of one newton acts over one meter.
What is Calorie (cal)?
A (small) calorie is a thermochemical unit of heat energy equal to 4.184 joules, historically the energy needed to raise 1 gram of water by 1°C.
How do I convert joules to calories?
Multiply the joule value by 0.2390057361 to get the equivalent in calories. For example, 5 J × 0.2390057361 = 1.195029 cal.
Is this conversion exact?
Yes. Both units are defined against the SI base unit for this dimension, so the factor 0.2390057361 is an exact, non-rounded value.
Can I convert calories back to joules?
Yes. Divide the calorie value by 0.2390057361, or multiply it by 4.184, to get joules.
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About converting joules to calories
The joule (J) is the SI derived unit of energy, equal to the work done when a force of one newton acts over one meter. A (small) calorie is a thermochemical unit of heat energy equal to 4.184 joules, historically the energy needed to raise 1 gram of water by 1°C.
Use this calculator to move between joules and calories accurately for homework, engineering, billing, or everyday energy calculations. The Universal Converter uses exact unit factors, so results stay consistent across the site.