How to Convert Kilocalories to Watt-hours (kcal to Wh)
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 watt-hours by hand, with examples and a quick-reference table.
The conversion
To convert kilocalories to watt-hours, multiply the value by 1.1622222222. To go the other way, divide by the same number (or multiply by 0.8604206501). For a quick estimate, multiply by about 1.2.
Watt-hours = kilocalories × 1.1622222222
Worked examples
- 3 kcal = 3.4867 Wh
- 12.5 kcal = 14.5278 Wh
- 75 kcal = 87.1667 Wh
Kilocalories to Watt-hours table
| Kilocalories | Watt-hours |
|---|---|
| 1 kcal | 1.1622 Wh |
| 2 kcal | 2.3244 Wh |
| 5 kcal | 5.8111 Wh |
| 10 kcal | 11.6222 Wh |
| 20 kcal | 23.2444 Wh |
| 25 kcal | 29.0556 Wh |
| 50 kcal | 58.1111 Wh |
| 100 kcal | 116.2222 Wh |
| 250 kcal | 290.5556 Wh |
| 500 kcal | 581.1111 Wh |
| 1,000 kcal | 1,162.22 Wh |
Common questions
Is kcal to Wh 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 Watt-hours to Kilocalories converter.
Mistakes to avoid
Dropping the units
A bare number without a unit is easy to misread later. Always write the unit with the result.
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
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.
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 Kilocalories to Watt-hours Converter or browse all energy converters.
Run your own numbers: Kilocalories to Watt-hours Converter