How to Convert Kilocalories to Calories (kcal 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 kilocalories into calories by hand, with examples and a quick-reference table.
The conversion
To convert kilocalories to calories, multiply the value by 1,000. To go the other way, divide by the same number (or multiply by 0.001). For a quick estimate, multiply by about 1,000.
Calories = kilocalories × 1,000
Worked examples
- 3 kcal = 3,000 cal
- 12.5 kcal = 12,500 cal
- 75 kcal = 75,000 cal
Kilocalories to Calories table
| Kilocalories | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1 kcal | 1,000 cal |
| 2 kcal | 2,000 cal |
| 5 kcal | 5,000 cal |
| 10 kcal | 10,000 cal |
| 20 kcal | 20,000 cal |
| 25 kcal | 25,000 cal |
| 50 kcal | 50,000 cal |
| 100 kcal | 100,000 cal |
| 250 kcal | 250,000 cal |
| 500 kcal | 500,000 cal |
| 1,000 kcal | 1,000,000 cal |
Common questions
Is kcal 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 Kilocalories converter.
Mistakes to avoid
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.
Dropping the units
A bare number without a unit is easy to misread later. Always write the unit with the result.
Mixing similar-sounding units
US and imperial gallons, pints and tons are different sizes, and decimal kilobytes differ from binary kibibytes.
Background
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.
For everyday use, three or four significant figures are usually enough. Engineering, science and trade documents may need more, and rounding should happen only at the end of a calculation.
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 Kilocalories to Calories Converter or browse all energy converters.
Run your own numbers: Kilocalories to Calories Converter