How to Convert Kilojoules to Kilocalories (kJ 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 kilojoules into kilocalories by hand, with examples and a quick-reference table.
The conversion
To convert kilojoules to kilocalories, multiply the value by 0.2390057361. To go the other way, divide by the same number (or multiply by 4.184). For a quick estimate, multiply by about 0.24.
Kilocalories = kilojoules × 0.2390057361
Worked examples
- 3 kJ = 0.717017 kcal
- 12.5 kJ = 2.9876 kcal
- 75 kJ = 17.9254 kcal
Kilojoules to Kilocalories table
| Kilojoules | Kilocalories |
|---|---|
| 1 kJ | 0.239006 kcal |
| 2 kJ | 0.478011 kcal |
| 5 kJ | 1.195 kcal |
| 10 kJ | 2.3901 kcal |
| 20 kJ | 4.7801 kcal |
| 25 kJ | 5.9751 kcal |
| 50 kJ | 11.9503 kcal |
| 100 kJ | 23.9006 kcal |
| 250 kJ | 59.7514 kcal |
| 500 kJ | 119.5029 kcal |
| 1,000 kJ | 239.0057 kcal |
Common questions
Is kJ 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 Kilojoules 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.
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 Kilojoules to Kilocalories Converter or browse all energy converters.
Run your own numbers: Kilojoules to Kilocalories Converter