Joules to Calories Converter
1 J = 0.239006 cal. Divide joules by 4.184 to convert to thermochemical calories. 1 kJ = 239 cal.
Inverse conversion
1 cal = 4.184 J. Multiply calories by 4.184 to get joules. Note: 1 food Calorie (kcal) = 1,000 cal = 4,184 J.
Formula
Formula
cal = J ÷ 4.184
Worked example
To convert 2,092 J to calories: 2,092 ÷ 4.184 = 500 cal.
Quick reference table
| J | cal |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.239006 |
| 10 | 2.390057 |
| 50 | 11.950287 |
| 100 | 23.900574 |
| 500 | 119.502868 |
| 1000 | 239.005736 |
| 4184 | 1000 |
| 10000 | 2390.057361 |
| 41840 | 10000 |
Unit definitions
Joule (J)
The joule (J) is the SI unit of energy. It is the work done by a force of 1 newton moving 1 metre.
Calorie (small) (cal)
A calorie (cal) is the energy required to heat 1 gram of water by 1°C. 1 cal = 4.184 J (thermochemical definition).
Common use cases
- Converting SI energy to chemistry units
- Heat transfer calculations
- Thermodynamics coursework
- Laboratory data reporting