Convert Joule (J) to Calorie (cal)
Category: Energy
1 j = 0.239006 cal
Precision: 6 decimals; very small non-zero results use significant digits.
How to convert joule (j) to calorie (cal)
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 Joule (J) to Calorie (cal). Click a value to calculate that result.
| Joule (J) | Calorie (cal) |
|---|---|
| 0.239006 | |
| 0.119503 | |
| 0.597514 | |
| 2.390057 |
Conversion formula
Use the following formula:
Calorie (cal) ≈ Joule (J) × 0.239005736138
Convert energy from Joule (J) to Calorie (cal) 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
- Joule (J): Joule (J) is the SI unit of energy: 1 J = 1 N·m = 1 kg·m²/s².
- Calorie (cal): A small calorie (cal) heats 1 g of water by 1 °C; nutrition ‘Calorie’ means kilocalorie (kcal).
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.
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).