How to Convert Megajoules to Kilocalories (MJ 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 megajoules into kilocalories by hand, with examples and a quick-reference table.
The conversion
To convert megajoules to kilocalories, multiply the value by 239.0057361377. To go the other way, divide by the same number (or multiply by 0.004184). For a quick estimate, multiply by about 240.
Kilocalories = megajoules × 239.0057361377
Worked examples
- 3 MJ = 717.0172 kcal
- 12.5 MJ = 2,987.57 kcal
- 75 MJ = 17,925.43 kcal
Megajoules to Kilocalories table
| Megajoules | Kilocalories |
|---|---|
| 1 MJ | 239.0057 kcal |
| 2 MJ | 478.0115 kcal |
| 5 MJ | 1,195.03 kcal |
| 10 MJ | 2,390.06 kcal |
| 20 MJ | 4,780.11 kcal |
| 25 MJ | 5,975.14 kcal |
| 50 MJ | 11,950.29 kcal |
| 100 MJ | 23,900.57 kcal |
| 250 MJ | 59,751.43 kcal |
| 500 MJ | 119,502.87 kcal |
| 1,000 MJ | 239,005.74 kcal |
Common questions
Is MJ 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 Megajoules 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.
Mixing similar-sounding units
US and imperial gallons, pints and tons are different sizes, and decimal kilobytes differ from binary kibibytes.
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.
Background
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.
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 Megajoules to Kilocalories Converter or browse all energy converters.
Run your own numbers: Megajoules to Kilocalories Converter