How to Convert Calories to Kilocalories (cal to kcal)
Energy conversions link food labels in kJ and kcal, SP Group bills in kWh and air-conditioner capacity in BTU. This guide shows how to convert calories into kilocalories by hand, with examples and a quick-reference table.
The conversion
To convert calories to kilocalories, multiply the value by 0.001. To go the other way, divide by the same number (or multiply by 1,000). For a quick estimate, multiply by about 0.001.
Kilocalories = calories × 0.001
Worked examples
- 3 cal = 0.003 kcal
- 12.5 cal = 0.0125 kcal
- 75 cal = 0.075 kcal
Calories to Kilocalories table
| Calories | Kilocalories |
|---|---|
| 1 cal | 0.001 kcal |
| 2 cal | 0.002 kcal |
| 5 cal | 0.005 kcal |
| 10 cal | 0.01 kcal |
| 20 cal | 0.02 kcal |
| 25 cal | 0.025 kcal |
| 50 cal | 0.05 kcal |
| 100 cal | 0.1 kcal |
| 250 cal | 0.25 kcal |
| 500 cal | 0.5 kcal |
| 1,000 cal | 1 kcal |
Common questions
Is cal to kcal exact?
The factors used here are the internationally defined values where they exist; results are rounded for display only.
How do I convert back?
Use the Kilocalories to Calories converter.
Mistakes to avoid
Mixing similar-sounding units
US and imperial gallons, pints and tons are different sizes, and decimal kilobytes differ from binary kibibytes.
Forgetting squared and cubed units
Area and volume factors are the length factor squared or cubed, so 1 m² is about 10.76 sq ft, not 3.28.
Rounding the factor too early
Using 3 instead of 3.28 for feet per metre introduces an error of almost 9% before you have started.
Background
Singapore adopted the metric system in the 1970s, replacing imperial units and traditional Chinese measures in most official uses. Metric units are now standard in schools, trade and government, but older units survive in property, markets and imported goods.
Writing the units next to every number while you work is the simplest way to avoid mistakes. If the units do not cancel to leave the one you want, the calculation is set up wrongly.
Unit conversion is simply multiplication by a fixed ratio. The ratio between two units of the same quantity never changes, so once you know it you can convert any value in either direction.
For any value, use the Calories to Kilocalories Converter or browse all energy converters.
Run your own numbers: Calories to Kilocalories Converter