1 calorie equals approximately 0.0042 kilojoules (kj).
Table of Contents
This conversion is based on the fact that 1 calorie (cal), a measure of energy primarily used in nutrition, is equivalent to about 4.184 joules. Since 1 kilojoule (kj) is 1,000 joules, multiplying 4.184 by 1/1000 gives the approximate value in kj.
Calorie to Kj Conversion
Result in kj:
Conversion Formula
The conversion from calorie to kilojoule uses the formula: kj = cal × 0.004184. This works because 1 calorie equals exactly 4.184 joules, and since 1 kilojoule is 1,000 joules, dividing 4.184 by 1,000 results in 0.004184. For example, converting 1 cal:
- kj = 1 × 0.004184
- kj = 0.004184
Conversion Example
- Convert 5 calories to kj:
- kj = 5 × 0.004184
- kj = 0.02092
- So, 5 calories equals approximately 0.02092 kilojoules.
- Convert 10 calories to kj:
- kj = 10 × 0.004184
- kj = 0.04184
- Thus, 10 calories are about 0.04184 kilojoules.
- Convert 15 calories to kj:
- kj = 15 × 0.004184
- kj = 0.06276
- Meaning 15 calories equal roughly 0.06276 kilojoules.
- Convert 0.5 calories to kj:
- kj = 0.5 × 0.004184
- kj = 0.002092
- Therefore, 0.5 calories corresponds to about 0.00209 kilojoules.
Conversion Chart
| Calories | Kilojoules (kj) |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | -0.1002 |
| -23.0 | -0.0963 |
| -22.0 | -0.0920 |
| -21.0 | -0.0878 |
| -20.0 | -0.0837 |
| -19.0 | -0.0796 |
| -18.0 | -0.0754 |
| -17.0 | -0.0712 |
| -16.0 | -0.0670 |
| -15.0 | -0.0628 |
| -14.0 | -0.0586 |
| -13.0 | -0.0544 |
| -12.0 | -0.0502 |
| -11.0 | -0.0460 |
| -10.0 | -0.0418 |
| -9.0 | -0.0376 |
| -8.0 | -0.0335 |
| -7.0 | -0.0293 |
| -6.0 | -0.0251 |
| -5.0 | -0.0209 |
| -4.0 | -0.0167 |
| -3.0 | -0.0125 |
| -2.0 | -0.0083 |
| -1.0 | -0.0042 |
| 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 1.0 | 0.0042 |
| 2.0 | 0.0084 |
| 3.0 | 0.0125 |
| 4.0 | 0.0167 |
| 5.0 | 0.0209 |
| 6.0 | 0.0251 |
| 7.0 | 0.0293 |
| 8.0 | 0.0335 |
| 9.0 | 0.0376 |
| 10.0 | 0.0418 |
| 11.0 | 0.0460 |
| 12.0 | 0.0502 |
| 13.0 | 0.0544 |
| 14.0 | 0.0586 |
| 15.0 | 0.0628 |
| 16.0 | 0.0670 |
| 17.0 | 0.0712 |
| 18.0 | 0.0754 |
| 19.0 | 0.0796 |
| 20.0 | 0.0837 |
| 21.0 | 0.0878 |
| 22.0 | 0.0920 |
| 23.0 | 0.0963 |
| 24.0 | 0.1002 |
Use this chart for quick reference, to see the approximate kilojoule equivalent for a range of calorie values.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many kilojoules are in 1 calorie?
- What is the kj value for 1 calorie intake?
- Convert 1 calorie to kilojoules for nutrition calculations?
- How do I change 1 calorie to kj in energy measurement?
- What’s the kj equivalent of 1 calorie burned during exercise?
Conversion Definitions
Calorie
A calorie is a unit of energy measuring the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius. It is commonly used in food energy content, with 1 kcal equal to 1,000 calories, especially in nutrition.
Kilojoule
A kilojoule is a measurement of energy equal to 1,000 joules. It is used internationally, especially in scientific contexts and energy labeling, to quantify energy transfer, consumption, and production in various physical and biological systems.
Conversion FAQs
How accurate is the conversion from calorie to kj?
The conversion is precise because it uses the exact value of 1 calorie as 4.184 joules, ensuring reliable calculations for energy measurement, though slight variations can occur due to rounding.
Can I use this conversion for dietary calorie calculations?
Yes, but be aware that dietary calories, kcal, are often used interchangeably with large calories, and the conversion applies equally. Just ensure you distinguish between small calories and dietary kcal to avoid errors.
Is there a simple way to convert multiple calories to kj quickly?
Multiplying the number of calories by 0.004184 provides an instant conversion, and using the provided chart or calculator makes it easier for larger values.