Calorie to Joule
Instantly convert Calorie (cal) to Joule (J). Free online converter with accurate results.
cal
Joule (J)
J
J = cal × 4.18400
Quick Reference: Calorie to Joule
| cal | J |
|---|---|
| 10 | 41.84 |
| 25 | 104.6 |
| 50 | 209.2 |
| 100 | 418.4 |
| 250 | 1,046 |
| 500 | 2,092 |
How to Convert Calorie to Joule
Formula:
J = cal × 4.18400
Example:
100 cal = 418.4 J
- Enter the value in Calorie you want to convert
- The result is calculated automatically
- Copy your result in Joule or continue converting
About Calorie and Joule
Calories and joules both measure energy. One calorie equals exactly 4.184 joules. The calorie used in nutrition (kilocalorie or 'Calorie' with capital C) is actually 1,000 small calories.
Common Uses for This Conversion
Scientific energy calculations, understanding nutrition labels internationally (EU uses kJ), physics problems, and comparing energy content across systems.
💡Did You Know?
The 'calorie' on food labels is actually a kilocalorie (kcal). When a food shows '200 Calories,' it means 200 kcal or 200,000 small calories—enough to heat 200 kg of water by 1°C.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 small calorie (cal) = 4.184 joules (J). This is the thermochemical calorie, defined as the energy needed to raise 1 gram of water by 1°C. It is used in chemistry and physics — not on food labels.
1 food Calorie (kcal, or Cal with a capital C) = 4,184 joules = 4.184 kJ. Food labels always use kilocalories: a 200-Calorie snack contains 836,800 J (836.8 kJ). US, UK, and Australian labels use "Calories" (kcal); European labels show kJ and kcal side by side.
Divide kilojoules by 4.184 to get kcal (or multiply kJ by 0.239). EU Regulation 1169/2011 requires food labels to show energy in both kJ and kcal. A standard 2,000 kcal daily diet equals 8,368 kJ. Quick example: 400 kJ ÷ 4.184 ≈ 95.6 kcal.
The small calorie (cal) = 4.184 J, used in chemistry and physics. The food Calorie (Cal or kcal) = 4,184 J — exactly 1,000 small calories. When food labels, fitness apps, or trainers say "200 calories," they always mean kilocalories (kcal). This confusing naming dates from 19th-century nutrition science and persists on food labels today.
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