Kilocalories (kcal) to BTU (IT) Converter
Enter a value to instantly convert between energy units.
1 Kilocalorie = 3.9657 BTU (IT)
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
BTU = kcal × 3.96567One kilocalorie equals 3.966 BTU. Since 1 kcal = 1000 cal and 1 BTU = 252 cal, the conversion is 1 kcal = 1000/252 = 3.966 BTU. This is useful when comparing food energy to furnace ratings or heating values.
Source: NIST SP 811, Table B.8
Frequently Asked Questions
Real-World Examples
A food scientist comparing 1 kcal of food energy to heating value — 3.97 BTU for the paper.
1 kcal = 3.966 BTU
A nutrition label showing 1000 kcal per serving converts to 3966 BTU for the heating comparison.
1000 kcal = 3966 BTU
A diet plan of 2000 kcal/day equals 7931 BTU — about the energy in a large candle burning for 4 days.
2000 kcal = 7931 BTU
A chocolate bar with 500 kcal provides 1983 BTU of dietary energy — for the energy comparison.
500 kcal = 1983 BTU