Calorie Converter - Convert Calories to Joules, BTU, kWh

Result:

1 cal = 4.184 J

How Calorie Conversion Works

1

Input Value

Enter calorie value

2

Select Units

Choose from and to units

3

Convert

Apply conversion formula

vā‚‚ = v₁ Ɨ (f₁/fā‚‚)
Conversion formula

Calorie Conversion Table

calJBTUkWh
0.10.0225.2286042.07
0.50.12126.08430210.33
10.24252.17860420.65
20.48504.331720841.30
51.201260.834302103.25
102.392521.658604206.50
153.593782.4812906309.75
204.785043.3117208413.00
255.986304.1321510516.25
307.177564.9625812619.50
409.5610086.6234416826.00
5011.9512608.2743021032.50
7517.9318912.4064531548.76
10023.9025216.5486042065.01
15035.8537824.81129063097.51

Calorie Units Progression Chart

1 cal

J:0.24
BTU:252.17

5 cal

J:1.20
BTU:1260.83

10 cal

J:2.39
BTU:2521.65

25 cal

J:5.98
BTU:6304.13

50 cal

J:11.95
BTU:12608.27

100 cal

J:23.90
BTU:25216.54

Practice Problems

Problem 1:

Convert 15 cal to J

Solution: 15 Ɨ 0.2390 = 3.59 J

Problem 2:

Convert 25 J to cal

Solution: 25 Ɨ 4.1840 = 104.60 cal

Problem 3:

Convert 0.5 cal to J

Solution: 0.5 Ɨ 0.2390 = 0.12 J

Problem 4:

Convert 100 J to cal

Solution: 100 Ɨ 4.1840 = 418.40 cal

Problem 5:

Convert 7.5 cal to J

Solution: 7.5 Ɨ 0.2390 = 1.79 J

What is a Calorie?

A calorie is a unit of energy. It measures how much energy food gives your body. When you eat food, your body uses calories for energy. This energy helps you walk, think, and do daily activities.

Scientists also use calories to measure energy in other things. They can convert calories to joules, BTU, or kilowatt-hours. Our calorie converter helps you change calories into these different energy units easily.

There are two types of calories. Small calories (cal) and large calories (Cal or kcal). One large calorie equals 1000 small calories. Food labels usually show large calories.

How to Use Our Calorie Converter

Using our calorie converter is very simple. Just follow these easy steps to convert calories to joules, BTU, or kilowatt-hours:

1

Type the number of calories you want to convert in the input box.

2

Choose the unit you are converting from (calories, joules, BTU, or kWh).

3

Pick the unit you want to convert to from the dropdown menu.

4

See your answer right away! The converter shows the result instantly.

Common Calorie Conversions

Here are some common ways people convert calories to other energy units:

Calories to Joules

This is very common in science class. To convert calories to joules:

1 calorie = 4.184 joules

Example: 10 calories = 41.84 joules

Calories to BTU

BTU means British Thermal Unit. It measures heat energy:

1 calorie = 0.003968 BTU

Example: 100 calories = 0.3968 BTU

Calories to kWh

Kilowatt-hours measure electrical energy:

1 calorie = 0.000001163 kWh

Example: 1000 calories = 0.001163 kWh

Food Calories

Food labels show large calories (kcal):

1 food calorie = 1000 small calories

Example: 1 kcal = 4184 joules

Why Do People Convert Calories?

People convert calories to other energy units for many reasons. Here are the most common ones:

School Work

Students need to convert calories to joules for science and physics classes. Teachers often ask for answers in different units.

Science Jobs

Scientists and engineers use different energy units. They might need calories in joules or BTU for their work.

Health Studies

Doctors and health workers sometimes need to convert food calories to other energy units for research.

Energy Planning

People who work with energy systems need to compare different types of energy measurements.

International Work

Different countries use different energy units. Converting helps people work together across borders.

Learning

Understanding how energy units relate helps people learn about physics and chemistry better.

Tips for Converting Calories

Here are some helpful tips to make calorie conversion easier:

Remember the Difference

Small calories (cal) and large calories (Cal or kcal) are different. Food calories are usually large calories.

Use Our Calculator

Our calorie converter does all the math for you. No need to remember complex formulas or do calculations by hand.

Check Your Work

If you get a very big or very small number, double-check that you picked the right units.

Round When Needed

For most uses, you don't need many decimal places. Round your answer to make it easier to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many joules are in one calorie?

One calorie equals 4.184 joules. This is the exact conversion that scientists use around the world.

What is the difference between cal and Cal?

Small cal is a small calorie. Big Cal (or kcal) is a large calorie that equals 1000 small calories. Food labels use large calories.

Can I convert calories to kilowatt-hours?

Yes! One calorie equals 0.000001163 kilowatt-hours. Our converter can do this calculation for you instantly.

Why do I need to convert calories to BTU?

BTU (British Thermal Unit) is used in heating and cooling systems. Converting calories to BTU helps compare different types of energy.

Is this calorie converter accurate?

Yes! Our converter uses the exact conversion factors that scientists use. It gives you precise results every time.

Can I use this converter for food calories?

Yes, but remember that food calories are large calories (kcal). Make sure to select the right unit when converting.

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Quick Reference

šŸ“1 meter
3.28 feet
āš–ļø1 kilogram
2.2 pounds
šŸŒ”ļø0°C
32°F
🄤1 liter
0.26 gallon