A kilocalorie is 1,000 calories.
Kilocalories to Watt-hours Converter — kcal to Wh
Convert Kilocalorie (kcal) to Watt-hour (Wh) using the exact conversion factor (1 kilocalorie = 1.162222222 watt-hour). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, and common uses.
Kilocalories to Watt-hours 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 watt-hour is 3,600 joules.
Result = input x 4184 / 3600.
Energy uses the joule as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Kilocalories to Watt-hours
Kilocalorie and Watt-hour both measure energy, and the conversion is especially useful for comparing nutrition labels (kilocalories) against scientific energy figures (joules). Specifically: A kilocalorie is 1,000 calories, and a watt-hour is 3,600 joules.
Formula
watt-hours = kilocalories × 1.16222222222
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 kilocalorie equals 4184 base units, and 1 watt-hour equals 3600 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct kilocalorie-to-watt-hour factor of 1.16222222222.
Simple example
1 kcal × 1.162222222 = 1.162222222 Wh
1 kilocalorie = 1.162222222 watt-hours.
Real-world example
100 kcal × 1.162222222 = 116.2222222 Wh
100 kilocalories = 116.2222222 watt-hours.
Conversion table
| Kilocalorie (kcal) | Watt-hour (Wh) |
|---|---|
| 1 kcal | 1.162222222 Wh |
| 10 kcal | 11.62222222 Wh |
| 100 kcal | 116.2222222 Wh |
| 500 kcal | 581.1111111 Wh |
| 1,000 kcal | 1,162.222222 Wh |
| 2,000 kcal | 2,324.444444 Wh |
Reverse conversion: Watt-hour to Kilocalorie
1.162222222 Wh × 0.8604206501 = 0.9999999998 kcal
1.162222222 watt-hours = 0.9999999998 kilocalories.
kilocalories = watt-hours × 0.860420650096
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Watt-hour to Kilocalorie.
Understanding the Kilocalorie (kcal)
A kilocalorie is 1,000 calories.
Understanding the Watt-hour
Watt-hour (Wh) measures energy. The energy delivered by one watt of power sustained for one hour — equal to 3,600 joules. It is classified as a metric derived energy unit.
Where it's used: Universal — standard consumer-electronics and battery energy unit worldwide
Wh vs. kWh. The same unit at different scales: 1,000 Wh equals 1 kWh. Wh suits small consumer-electronics batteries; kWh is used for household electricity billing and larger energy storage.
Uses of the Watt-hour today
- Phone, laptop, and power-bank battery capacity ratings
- Electric-vehicle battery capacity specifications
- Small-scale renewable energy (solar panel) output ratings
Watt-hour — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Watt-hour as a common energy unit derived from the coherent SI units watt and second (via the hour).
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many watt-hours are in 1 kilocalorie?
1 kilocalorie equals 1.162222222 watt-hours, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert kilocalorie to watt-hour?
Multiply the kilocalorie value by 1.162222222. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert watt-hour back to kilocalorie?
Use the reverse factor: 1 watt-hour equals 0.8604206501 kilocalories. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a kilocalorie?
Kilocalorie (kcal) is a unit of energy.
What is a watt-hour?
Watt-hour (Wh) measures energy. The energy delivered by one watt of power sustained for one hour — equal to 3,600 joules. It is classified as a metric derived energy unit.
Is the kilocalorie to watt-hour conversion exact?
Yes. Both kilocalorie and watt-hour are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 1.162222222 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.
What is the difference between wh vs. kwh?
The same unit at different scales: 1,000 Wh equals 1 kWh. Wh suits small consumer-electronics batteries; kWh is used for household electricity billing and larger energy storage.