How to Convert Kilocalories to Kilowatt-hours (kcal to kWh)
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 kilowatt-hours by hand, with examples and a quick-reference table.
The conversion
To convert kilocalories to kilowatt-hours, multiply the value by 0.0011622222. To go the other way, divide by the same number (or multiply by 860.4206500956). For a quick estimate, multiply by about 0.0012.
Kilowatt-hours = kilocalories × 0.0011622222
Worked examples
- 3 kcal = 0.003487 kWh
- 12.5 kcal = 0.014528 kWh
- 75 kcal = 0.087167 kWh
Kilocalories to Kilowatt-hours table
| Kilocalories | Kilowatt-hours |
|---|---|
| 1 kcal | 0.001162 kWh |
| 2 kcal | 0.002324 kWh |
| 5 kcal | 0.005811 kWh |
| 10 kcal | 0.011622 kWh |
| 20 kcal | 0.023244 kWh |
| 25 kcal | 0.029056 kWh |
| 50 kcal | 0.058111 kWh |
| 100 kcal | 0.116222 kWh |
| 250 kcal | 0.290556 kWh |
| 500 kcal | 0.581111 kWh |
| 1,000 kcal | 1.1622 kWh |
Common questions
Is kcal to kWh 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 Kilowatt-hours to Kilocalories 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.
Dropping the units
A bare number without a unit is easy to misread later. Always write the unit with the result.
Background
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.
A conversion table is handy for common values, but a calculator is faster and avoids interpolation errors for anything in between.
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.
For any value, use the Kilocalories to Kilowatt-hours Converter or browse all energy converters.
Run your own numbers: Kilocalories to Kilowatt-hours Converter