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Calories to Joules Converter

Convert calories to joules and joules to calories instantly. Bidirectional energy converter with formula and common values.

cal

Joules

1,046

J

250 cal = 1,046 J

J = cal × 4.184

Calories to Joules: 1 cal equals 4.184 J. To convert calories to joules, multiply by 4.184 (J = cal × 4.184). For example, 10 cal = 41.84 J.

How to Convert Calories to Joules

To convert from calories to joules, multiply the value by 4.184. The conversion is linear, meaning doubling the input doubles the output.

Conversion Formula

  • Calories to Joules: J = cal × 4.184
  • Joules to Calories: cal = J ÷ 4.184

Calories to Joules Conversion Chart

Calories (cal)Joules (J)
0.10.4184
0.251.046
0.52.092
14.184
28.368
312.552
520.92
1041.84
2083.68
25104.6
50209.2
100418.4
2501046
10004184

Understanding the Units

What is a Calorie?

The thermochemical calorie equals exactly 4.184 joules; the historical "small" calorie raised one gram of water by one degree Celsius.

Common contexts: chemistry, historical thermodynamics.

What is a Joule?

The joule is the SI derived unit of energy, equal to the work done by a force of one newton acting through a distance of one meter (1 J = 1 N·m = 1 W·s).

Named after James Prescott Joule (1818–1889), the English physicist who demonstrated the mechanical equivalent of heat.

Common contexts: physics, chemistry, engineering.

Real-World Reference Points

Item Calories (cal) Joules (J)
Energy to lift an apple 1 m0.2391
Heart beat (resting)0.2391
AA battery (alkaline)2151.05169000

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FAQ

How many joules are in one calorie?

One thermochemical calorie equals exactly 4.184 joules. This is the internationally accepted definition since 1956.

Is the calorie used in food the same as this calorie?

No. Food labels use kilocalories (kcal), also written as Calories with a capital C. One food Calorie equals 1,000 thermochemical calories, or 4,184 joules.

When should I use calories vs joules?

Joules are standard in physics, engineering, and most scientific work. Calories are still widely used in nutrition, chemistry, and some biological sciences.

How do I convert 350 calories to joules?

Multiply 350 by 4.184. So 350 cal = 1,464.4 J.

How many joules are in 1 calory?

1 cal equals 4.184 J.

How do you convert calories to joules?

Multiply the calory value by 4.184. Formula: J = cal × 4.184.

How many joules are in 5 calories?

5 cal = 20.92 J.

How do you convert joules back to calories?

Use the inverse formula: cal = J ÷ 4.184. For example, 1 J = 0.239006 cal.

What is the difference between Calory and Joul?

The thermochemical calorie equals exactly 4.184 joules; the historical "small" calorie raised one gram of water by one degree Celsius. The joule is the SI derived unit of energy, equal to the work done by a force of one newton acting through a distance of one meter (1 J = 1 N·m = 1 W·s).