Ergs to Joules (J) Converter
Enter a value to instantly convert between energy units.
1 Erg = 1.0000e-7 Joule
Key Formulas
Kilocalorie → Kilojoule
kJ = kcal × 4.184Kilojoule → Kilocalorie
kcal = kJ × 0.239006Kilowatt-Hour → Joule
J = kWh × 3600000Joule → Kilowatt-Hour
kWh = J × 2.77778e-7Formula
J = erg × 1e-7One erg equals exactly 0.0000001 joules (10⁻⁷ J) by definition. The erg is a CGS (centimeter-gram-second) unit representing the work done by a one-dyne force moving one centimeter. Though obsolete in modern physics, ergs persist in astrophysics literature (stellar luminosity quoted in ergs/second) and older scientific documents. Converting to joules bridges historical data with modern SI-based calculations.
Source: NIST SP 811, Table B.8
Frequently Asked Questions
Real-World Examples
A physics student converts a textbook problem: 10 million ergs = 1 joule (energy to lift ~100g one meter).
10000000 erg = 1 J
An astrophysicist converting solar flare energy of 10⁸ ergs = 10 joules for comparison with Earth's seismic scales.
100000000 erg = 10 J
Historical supernova catalog lists energy as 10⁵¹ ergs = 10⁴⁴ J for modern astrophysical models.
1000000000000000 erg = 100000000 J
Solar luminosity of 4×10³³ ergs/s = 4×10²⁶ watts (power, the standard measure today).
1e+33 erg = 1e+26 J