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Convert Calc

Joules (J) to Calories (cal) Converter

Enter a value to instantly convert between energy units.

Precision4 dp

1 Joule = 0.239 Calorie (thermochemical)

Key Formulas

Kilocalorie → Kilojoule

kJ = kcal × 4.184

Kilojoule → Kilocalorie

kcal = kJ × 0.239006

Kilowatt-Hour → Joule

J = kWh × 3600000

Joule → Kilowatt-Hour

kWh = J × 2.77778e-7

Formula

cal = J ÷ 4.184

A thermochemical calorie (cal) is defined as exactly 4.184 joules — the energy to raise one gram of water by one degree Celsius. Calories are used in nutrition and food science, while joules are the SI standard. The calorie is a small unit: a single raisin provides about 10 calories.

Source: NIST SP 811, Table B.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

A nutrition student calculating that a 4184 J energy bar contains exactly 1000 calories (1 kcal) for a presentation.

4184 J = 1000 cal

A chemist measuring 100 J of heat in a reaction records 23.9 cal for the lab report.

100 J = 23.9 cal

A food scientist analyzing a 2000 J serving size reports 478 calories for the nutrition label draft.

2000 J = 478 cal

A dietician calculating 50 J of energy from a sugar cube writes 11.95 cal for the patient handout.

50 J = 11.95 cal