Convert Calorie (cal) (cal) to BTU (IT) (btu)
Category: Energy
10 cal = 0.039657 btu
High-precision rounding: 6 decimals
How to convert calorie (cal) to btu (it)
We convert by pivoting through the SI base unit for Energy and applying exact factors where applicable.
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Examples
Linear unit conversions use standardized factors; many are exact by definition (e.g., 1 in = 25.4 mm, 1 ft = 0.3048 m).
Common mistakes
- Confusing calorie (cal) with kilocalorie (kcal) on nutrition labels.
- Treating BTU definitions interchangeably without noting standard (IT vs other).
About Energy
Energy is the capacity to do work. Joules form the SI base; Wh/kWh align with metering and batteries; calories and BTU survive in nutrition and HVAC. Conversions bridge mechanical, thermal, and electrical perspectives.
About Calorie (cal)
Calorie (cal)
Energy to raise 1 g of water by 1 °C; several legacy variants exist. In nutrition, ‘calorie’ often means kilocalorie.
History: Thermochemistry used multiple definitions; modern practice relates calories to joules (1 cal ≈ 4.184 J).
About BTU (IT)
British thermal unit (BTU)
≈1,055.06 J (IT). Common in HVAC sizing and fuel energy content (per lb or per ft³).
History: Industrial steam era popularized BTU; persists for practical North American engineering.
Related conversions from cal
- cal → j Joule (J)
- cal → kcal Kilocalorie (kcal)
- cal → kwh Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
- cal → wh Watt-hour (Wh)
Related conversions to btu
- j → btu Joule (J)
- kcal → btu Kilocalorie (kcal)
- kwh → btu Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
- wh → btu Watt-hour (Wh)