Calories ⇄ Kilojoules Converter
Convert food energy between kcal and kJ
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Calories ⇄ Kilojoules Converter
Food energy is shown in kilocalories (kcal, usually written as "Calories") in the US, UK and much of the world, but in kilojoules (kJ) in Australia, New Zealand and on EU labels. This converter switches between the two using the exact factor 1 kcal = 4.184 kJ, so you can read any nutrition label or recipe in the unit you know. Enter a value and choose which unit it is in to get the equivalent at once.
Conversion: 1 kcal = 4.184 kJ. Food energy is labelled in kilocalories (kcal, often just "Calories") in the US and many countries, and in kilojoules (kJ) in Australia, New Zealand and the EU (alongside kcal).
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between calories and kilojoules?
- Both measure food energy. The kilocalorie (kcal, often just called a calorie) is common in the US, while the kilojoule (kJ) is the metric unit used in much of the world. One kcal equals 4.184 kJ, so they describe the same energy in different units.
- How do you convert calories to kilojoules?
- Multiply kilocalories by 4.184 to get kilojoules, or divide kilojoules by 4.184 to get kilocalories. For example, 100 kcal equals 418.4 kJ. Enter a value in either field and the converter returns the equivalent instantly.
- Why do food labels use different energy units?
- It depends on the country's regulations. Australia and the EU show kilojoules (the EU shows both), while US labels show calories. The converter lets you compare products across labels by translating any value to the unit you are familiar with.