Convert kilocalorie to joule
Enter the value to convert from kilocalorie to joule.
How to Convert Kilocalorie to Joule
Converting kilocalorie to joule is straightforward using our conversion calculator.
Conversion Formula
J = kcal × 4184Reverse conversion: Convert joule to kilocalorie
Comparison: Kilocalorie vs Joule
When to Use Each Unit
Kilocalorie: Primary unit for food energy content in many countries, diet planning, and metabolic rate measurements.
Joule: Universal scientific unit for all forms of energy: mechanical, electrical, thermal, chemical, and nuclear energy worldwide.
Common Conversion Values
- 1 kcal = 1000 cal
- 1 kcal ≈ 4.184 kJ
- 1 kcal ≈ 4,184 J
- 1 kcal ≈ 3.97 BTU
About Kilocalorie
Definition: The kilocalorie (symbol: kcal) equals 1,000 calories and is commonly called a "food calorie" in nutrition contexts.
History: Adopted for nutrition labeling as the "large calorie" to distinguish from the scientific calorie, which is 1000 times smaller.
Current Use: Primary unit for food energy content in many countries, diet planning, and metabolic rate measurements.
Examples: Daily diet: 1500-3000 kcal, apple: 80 kcal, pizza slice: 300 kcal, marathon: 2600 kcal burned
About Joule
Definition: The joule (symbol: J) is the SI unit of energy, equal to the energy expended when applying one newton of force through one meter of distance.
History: Named after English physicist James Prescott Joule in 1889. Established the mechanical equivalent of heat and energy conservation.
Current Use: Universal scientific unit for all forms of energy: mechanical, electrical, thermal, chemical, and nuclear energy worldwide.
Examples: Apple: 350,000 J, car battery: 4.3 MJ, lightning bolt: 1-5 billion J, human daily intake: 8-10 MJ