Convert Calorie (cal) (cal) to Joule (J) (j)
Category: Energy
100 cal = 418.4 j
High-precision rounding: 6 decimals
How to convert calorie (cal) to joule (j)
We convert by pivoting through the SI base unit for Energy and applying exact factors where applicable.
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Quick conversion table
Handy values for Calorie (cal) → Joule (J). Click a value to open that exact result.
Conversion formula
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).
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 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 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.
Related conversions from cal
- cal → btu BTU (IT)
- cal → kcal Kilocalorie (kcal)
- cal → kwh Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
- cal → wh Watt-hour (Wh)