kJ to cal Converter - Kilojoule to Calorie
Kilojoule (kJ) to Calorie (cal)
Direct answer
1 kJ = 239.005736138 cal
cal = kJ × 239.005736138
Converter
Conversion formula
cal = kJ × 239.005736138
kJ = cal × 0.004184
Example: 10 kJ = 10 × 239.005736138 = 2,390.05736138 cal.
Common conversion table
| kJ | cal |
|---|---|
| 1 kJ | 239.005736138 cal |
| 2 kJ | 478.011472275 cal |
| 5 kJ | 1,195.02868069 cal |
| 10 kJ | 2,390.05736138 cal |
| 20 kJ | 4,780.11472275 cal |
| 50 kJ | 11,950.2868069 cal |
| 100 kJ | 23,900.5736138 cal |
| 1,000 kJ | 239,005.736138 cal |
Conversion derivation
Express both kJ and cal in the same base unit J (joule), then cancel the shared base unit.
- 1
Rewrite kJ in the base unit
- 2
Rewrite cal in the base unit
- 3
Forward conversion
- 4
Reverse conversion
AI explanation for this conversion
This pre-generated explanation is schema-checked. Numeric results still come from the page formula and calculator.
Why the kilojoule to calorie conversion factor holds
The conversion factor between kilojoules and calories is derived by expressing both units in terms of the joule, the SI unit of energy. Since 1 kilojoule equals 1,000 joules and 1 calorie equals 4.184 joules, the factor is the ratio of these base-unit values.
Definition
The kilojoule (kJ) is a unit of energy equal to 1,000 joules. The calorie (cal) is a unit of energy equal to exactly 4.184 joules, as defined by the thermochemical calorie.
Principle
The conversion works by setting up a proportion based on the equivalent energy in joules. Dividing the number of joules in a kilojoule by the number of joules in a calorie yields the direct conversion factor.
Assumptions
- The calorie (cal) used is the thermochemical calorie, which is exactly defined as 4.184 joules.
Cautions
- The conversion factor is exact for the defined thermochemical calorie. Other definitions of the calorie (such as the international steam table calorie) use slightly different values.
- The result is a mathematical conversion; it does not account for any biological or practical context in which the term 'Calorie' (with a capital C, equal to a kilocalorie) might be used.
FAQ
How many cal are in 1 kJ?
1 kJ = 239.005736138 cal.
How many cal are in 10 kJ?
10 kJ = 2,390.05736138 cal.
How many cal are in 100 kJ?
100 kJ = 23,900.5736138 cal.
What is the formula to convert kJ to cal?
Use cal = kJ × 239.005736138.
How many kJ are in 1 cal?
1 cal = 0.004184 kJ.
What should I check when converting kJ to cal?
Use the conversion factor and round the result to the precision required by your calculation.