Convert Calorie (cal) (cal) to Kilocalorie (kcal) (kcal)
Category: Energy
1 cal = 0.001 kcal
High-precision rounding: 6 decimals
How to convert calorie (cal) to kilocalorie (kcal)
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 Kilocalorie (kcal)
Kilocalorie (kcal)
Equals 1,000 cal; labeled as ‘Calorie’ on food packaging. Converts to joules for scientific comparisons.
History: Nutrition science standardized kcal for daily intake guidelines and labels.
Related conversions from cal
Related conversions to kcal
- btu → kcal BTU (IT)
- j → kcal Joule (J)
- kwh → kcal Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
- wh → kcal Watt-hour (Wh)