Kilojoules to Calories Converter
Enter the energy in kilojoules below to convert it to calories.
Convert Kilojoules to Calories
Enter a value in kilojoules (kJ) to convert to calories (cal).
Kilojoule to Gram Calorie Conversion Table
Table showing various kilojoule measurements converted to calories. Click any preset value or arrow to load it into the converter.
| Kilojoules (kJ) | Calories (cal) |
|---|---|
| 1 kJ | 239.0057361 cal |
| 2 kJ | 478.0114723 cal |
| 2.5 kJ | 597.5143403 cal |
| 5 kJ | 1,195.0286807 cal |
| 10 kJ | 2,390.0573614 cal |
| 15 kJ | 3,585.0860421 cal |
| 20 kJ | 4,780.1147228 cal |
| 25 kJ | 5,975.1434034 cal |
| 30 kJ | 7,170.1720841 cal |
| 50 kJ | 11,950.2868069 cal |
How to Convert Kilojoules to Calories
To convert kilojoules to calories, multiply the energy by the following conversion ratio: 239.0057361 calories/kilojoule.
Since one kilojoule is equal to 239.0057361 calories, you can use this simple formula to convert:
The energy in calories is equal to the energy in kilojoules multiplied by 239.0057361.
For example, here's how to convert 5 kilojoules to calories using the formula above.
How Many Calories Are in a Kilojoule?
There are 239.0057361 calories in a kilojoule, which is why we use this value in the formula above.
Our kilojoule to gram calorie calculator automatically converts your energy measurements with full decimal and scientific precision across US customary, imperial, and SI metric standards.
Kilojoules and calories are both units used to measure energy. Keep reading to learn more about each unit.
What Is a Kilojoule?
A kilojoule is a unit of energy equal to 1,000 joules (J), the base unit for energy. Equal to 1,000 Joules. [1]
The kilojoule is classified as a metric and SI-compatible unit of energy. Kilojoules can be abbreviated as kJ; for example, 1 kilojoule can be written as 1 kJ.
In the metric system, "kilo" is the standard SI prefix for thousands, or 10³. This makes the kilojoule (kJ) a convenient decimal multiple of the joule (J).
In practice, kilojoules (kJ) are widely used across large-scale industrial, bulk, and macro-level energy specifications within SI metric workflows, engineering documentation, and technical data sheets.
What Is a Gram Calorie?
A gram calorie is a unit of energy equal to 4.184 joules (J), the base unit for energy. Thermochemical gram calorie defined as 4.184 Joules. [2]
The gram calorie is classified as a standard unit of energy. Calories can be abbreviated as cal; for example, 1 gram calorie can be written as 1 cal.
When working with calories (cal) in formulas or technical specifications, always verify whether your target system uses SI metric, US customary, or British imperial standards.
In practice, calories (cal) are widely used across standard energy applications within international standard workflows, engineering documentation, and technical data sheets.
When converting energy between kilojoules (kJ) and calories (cal), keep full floating-point precision (1 kJ = 239.0057361 cal; 1 cal = 0.004184 kJ) during intermediate calculations and round only the final gram calorie figure to match your instrument tolerance.
More Kilojoule & Gram Calorie Conversions
Need to calculate in the opposite direction? Use our calories to kilojoules calculator to switch your starting unit immediately. You can also explore related tools such as converting calories to kilojoules, converting joules to calories, or converting kilojoules to joules.
Convert from Kilojoules
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- [1]NIST CODATA StandardNIST CODATA (CODATA Energy & Thermodynamic Constants)·Energy Metrology Standard — Kilojoules (kJ) to Calories (cal)
- [2]NIST SP 811 SpecificationNIST SP 811 (NIST SP 811 App. B.9 (Energy, Work & Heat))·Unit Specifications: Kilojoule (kJ) & Gram Calorie (cal) (cal)
- [3]BIPM ReferenceBIPM (Derived SI Unit: Joule (J))·Conversion Factors & Mathematical Basis (kJ to cal)