A kilocalorie is 1,000 calories.
Kilocalories to Centijoules Converter — kcal to cJ
Convert Kilocalorie (kcal) to Centijoule (cJ) using the exact conversion factor (1 kilocalorie = 418,400 centijoule). See the formula, worked examples, and conversion table.
Kilocalories to Centijoules converter
Converter
Engineering Converter
Convert common stress, force, torque, power, and energy units used in engineering.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Centijoule is 0.01 joule units.
Result = input x 4184 / 0.01.
Energy units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Kilocalories to Centijoules
Kilocalorie and Centijoule both measure a quantity used in structural or mechanical engineering — commonly stress, pressure, force, torque, power, or energy — where converting between the unit conventions used in different regions, industries, or equipment specifications is a routine part of design work. Specifically: A kilocalorie is 1,000 calories, and centijoule is 0.01 joule units.
Formula
centijoules = kilocalories × 418400
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 kilocalorie equals 4184 base units, and 1 centijoule equals 0.01 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct kilocalorie-to-centijoule factor of 418400.
Simple example
1 kcal × 418400 = 418,400 cJ
1 kilocalorie = 418,400 centijoules.
Real-world example
100 kcal × 418400 = 41,840,000 cJ
100 kilocalories = 41,840,000 centijoules.
Conversion table
| Kilocalorie (kcal) | Centijoule (cJ) |
|---|---|
| 1 kcal | 418,400 cJ |
| 10 kcal | 4,184,000 cJ |
| 50 kcal | 20,920,000 cJ |
| 100 kcal | 41,840,000 cJ |
| 500 kcal | 209,200,000 cJ |
| 1,000 kcal | 418,400,000 cJ |
Reverse conversion: Centijoule to Kilocalorie
1 cJ × 0.000002390057361 = 0.0000023901 kcal
1 centijoule = 0.0000023901 kilocalories.
kilocalories = centijoules × 0.00000239005736138
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Centijoule to Kilocalorie.
Understanding the Kilocalorie (kcal)
A kilocalorie is 1,000 calories.
Understanding the Centijoule (cJ)
Centijoule is 0.01 joule units.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many centijoules are in 1 kilocalorie?
1 kilocalorie equals 418,400 centijoules, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert kilocalorie to centijoule?
Multiply the kilocalorie value by 418400. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert centijoule back to kilocalorie?
Use the reverse factor: 1 centijoule equals 0.0000023901 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 engineering.
What is a centijoule?
Centijoule (cJ) is a unit of engineering.
Is the kilocalorie to centijoule conversion exact?
Yes. Both kilocalorie and centijoule are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 418400 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.
Why do engineering unit conventions vary so much by region and industry?
Pressure, force, and stress can be expressed in metric (pascal, newton), US customary (psi, pound-force), or older and industry-specific units (atmosphere, torr, kip) depending on the country, industry, and even the equipment manufacturer, which is why engineers routinely need to convert between them when working across specs from different sources.