A kilocalorie (kcal) equals 1,000 small calories and is the unit behind the food "Calorie" shown on nutrition labels.
Kilocalories to Joules
Convert Kilocalorie (kcal) to Joule (J) instantly with an exact formula, conversion table, and FAQ.
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Convert kilocalories (kcal) to joules (J) instantly with formula, conversion table, and FAQ.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
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.
J = kcal × 4184
Results update instantly for Kilocalories to Joules conversions.
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Formula
J = kcal × 4184
kcal = J × 0.0002390057361
Conversion table
| 1 kcal | 4184 J |
| 5 kcal | 20920 J |
| 10 kcal | 41840 J |
| 20 kcal | 83680 J |
| 50 kcal | 209200 J |
| 100 kcal | 418400 J |
| 500 kcal | 2.092000e+06 J |
| 1000 kcal | 4.184000e+06 J |
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How the formula works
Both kilocalorie and joule measure the same physical quantity, so converting between them is a single multiplication. Multiply a value in kilocalories by 4184 to get joules. To reverse the conversion, multiply a joule value by 0.0002390057361 to get back to kilocalories.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kilocalorie (kcal)?
A kilocalorie (kcal) equals 1,000 small calories and is the unit behind the food "Calorie" shown on nutrition labels.
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.
How do I convert kilocalories to joules?
Multiply the kilocalorie value by 4184 to get the equivalent in joules. For example, 5 kcal × 4184 = 20920 J.
Is this conversion exact?
Yes. Both units are defined against the SI base unit for this dimension, so the factor 4184 is an exact, non-rounded value.
Can I convert joules back to kilocalories?
Yes. Divide the joule value by 4184, or multiply it by 0.0002390057361, to get kilocalories.
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About converting kilocalories to joules
A kilocalorie (kcal) equals 1,000 small calories and is the unit behind the food "Calorie" shown on nutrition labels. 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.
Use this calculator to move between kilocalories and joules accurately for homework, engineering, billing, or everyday energy calculations. The Universal Converter uses exact unit factors, so results stay consistent across the site.