Convert Calorie (cal) to Joule (J)
Category: Energy
100 cal = 418.4 j
Precision: 6 decimals; very small non-zero results use significant digits.
How to convert calorie (cal) to joule (j)
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.
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Quick conversion table
Handy values for Calorie (cal) to Joule (J). Click a value to calculate that result.
| Calorie (cal) | Joule (J) |
|---|---|
| 418.4 | |
| 2.092 | |
| 10.46 | |
| 41.84 |
Conversion formula
Use the following formula:
Joule (J) ≈ Calorie (cal) × 4.184
Convert energy from Calorie (cal) to Joule (J) using a fixed unit ratio. Round only the final result.
Common mistakes
- Confusing calorie (cal) with kilocalorie (kcal) on nutrition labels.
- Treating BTU definitions interchangeably without noting standard (IT vs other).
Unit facts
- Calorie (cal): A small calorie (cal) heats 1 g of water by 1 °C; nutrition ‘Calorie’ means kilocalorie (kcal).
- Joule (J): Joule (J) is the SI unit of energy: 1 J = 1 N·m = 1 kg·m²/s².
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 Joule (J)
Joule (J)
SI energy unit equal to N·m. Fundamental in physics, electronics (J = W·s), and thermodynamics.
History: Named after James P. Joule. Became universal with SI coherence across mechanical and electrical domains.