How to Convert Electronvolts to Calories (eV to cal)
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 electronvolts into calories by hand, with examples and a quick-reference table.
The conversion
To convert electronvolts to calories, multiply the value by 3.829294e-20. To go the other way, divide by the same number (or multiply by 2.611447e+19). Because the factor is tiny, scientific notation keeps the numbers manageable.
Calories = electronvolts × 3.829294e-20
Worked examples
- 3 eV = 1.148788e-19 cal
- 12.5 eV = 4.786618e-19 cal
- 75 eV = 2.871971e-18 cal
Electronvolts to Calories table
| Electronvolts | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1 eV | 3.829294e-20 cal |
| 2 eV | 7.658588e-20 cal |
| 5 eV | 1.914647e-19 cal |
| 10 eV | 3.829294e-19 cal |
| 20 eV | 7.658588e-19 cal |
| 25 eV | 9.573235e-19 cal |
| 50 eV | 1.914647e-18 cal |
| 100 eV | 3.829294e-18 cal |
| 250 eV | 9.573235e-18 cal |
| 500 eV | 1.914647e-17 cal |
| 1,000 eV | 3.829294e-17 cal |
Common questions
Is eV to cal 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 Calories to Electronvolts converter.
Mistakes to avoid
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.
Multiplying when you should divide
Converting to a smaller unit gives a bigger number, and converting to a larger unit gives a smaller one. If your answer moves the wrong way, you have inverted the factor.
Background
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.
A conversion table is handy for common values, but a calculator is faster and avoids interpolation errors for anything in between.
Many conversion factors are exact by definition. The inch has been defined as exactly 2.54 centimetres since 1959, and the pound as exactly 0.45359237 kilograms, so conversions involving them can be as precise as you need.
For any value, use the Electronvolts to Calories Converter or browse all energy converters.
Run your own numbers: Electronvolts to Calories Converter