1 calorie equals approximately 0.004184 kilojoules.
To convert calories to kilojoules, multiply the calorie value by 0.004184 because 1 calorie is defined as 4.184 kilojoules, based on energy measurement standards; this conversion factor allows precise translation between these two units of energy.
Conversion Result
1 calorie is equal to 0.0042 kj (rounded to four decimal places).
Conversion Tool
Result in kj:
Conversion Formula
The conversion formula is: kj = calories * 0.004184. This works because 1 calorie is defined as exactly 4.184 kilojoules, so multiplying the calorie amount by this factor gives the equivalent energy in kilojoules. For example, 5 calories: 5 * 4.184 = 20.92 kj.
Conversion Example
- Convert 3 calories to kj:
- Step 1: Write the formula: kj = 3 * 0.004184
- Step 2: Multiply: 3 * 0.004184 = 0.012552
- Step 3: Result: 3 calories equals 0.0126 kj (rounded)
- Convert 10 calories to kj:
- Step 1: Formula: kj = 10 * 0.004184
- Step 2: Multiply: 10 * 0.004184 = 0.04184
- Step 3: Result: 10 calories equals 0.0418 kj
- Convert 0.5 calories to kj:
- Step 1: Formula: kj = 0.5 * 0.004184
- Step 2: Multiply: 0.5 * 0.004184 = 0.002092
- Step 3: Result: 0.5 calories equals 0.0021 kj
Conversion Chart
This chart shows how various calorie values convert to kj. Use it to quickly find conversions for specific values.
| Calories | Kilojoules (kj) |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | -0.1004 |
| -22.0 | -0.0920 |
| -20.0 | -0.0837 |
| -18.0 | -0.0754 |
| -16.0 | -0.0670 |
| -14.0 | -0.0587 |
| -12.0 | -0.0503 |
| -10.0 | -0.0418 |
| -8.0 | -0.0335 |
| -6.0 | -0.0251 |
| -4.0 | -0.0167 |
| -2.0 | -0.0083 |
| 0.0 | 0.0000 |
| 2.0 | 0.0084 |
| 4.0 | 0.0167 |
| 6.0 | 0.0251 |
| 8.0 | 0.0335 |
| 10.0 | 0.0418 |
| 12.0 | 0.0502 |
| 14.0 | 0.0586 |
| 16.0 | 0.0670 |
| 18.0 | 0.0754 |
| 20.0 | 0.0837 |
| 22.0 | 0.0920 |
| 24.0 | 0.1004 |
| 26.0 | 0.1088 |
Read the table by locating the calorie value in the first column and find its corresponding kilojoule value in the second. Use this chart for quick reference when converting multiple values.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many kilojoules is 1 calorie?
- What is the kj equivalent of 1 calorie?
- Convert 1 calorie to kilojoules manually?
- How do I convert calories to kj for food energy?
- What is the energy in kj of 1 calorie?
- How much kj equals 1 calorie?
- What is the kj value for 1 calorie?
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 nutrition to quantify energy content in food and beverages.
Kilojoule
A kilojoule is a unit of energy equal to 1,000 joules, where a joule measures work done when a force of one newton moves an object one meter. It is used to express energy in scientific, nutritional, and engineering contexts.
Conversion FAQs
Why is 1 calorie equal to 0.004184 kj?
This stems from the international definition where 1 calorie equals exactly 4.184 joules, and since a kilojoule is 1,000 joules, dividing 4.184 by 1,000 yields 0.004184. This precise value ensures accurate conversions between units.
Can I convert calories to kj with a simple multiplication?
Yes, multiplying the calorie amount by 0.004184 directly converts it to kilojoules, as this is the fixed conversion factor based on the definition of calories and joules. This method is straightforward and precise for any value.
What is the significance of converting calories to kj?
Converting calories to kilojoules allows for standardization across scientific fields and international use, since kilojoules are part of the SI measurement system, making calculations and comparisons more consistent and universally understandable.