Convert Calories to Joules

1 cal = 4.184 J

1 cal = 4.184 J

calories (cal) joules (J)
0.5 2.092
1 4.184
2 8.368
5 20.92
10 41.84
25 104.6
50 209.2
100 418.4
250 1046
500 2092
1000 4184

To convert calories to joules, multiply the value by the conversion factor:

1 cal = 4.184 J

For example: 10 cal = 41.84 J

The Conversion Formula

To convert calories to joules, multiply the value by the conversion factor: 1 cal = 4.184 J. For a worked example, suppose you need to convert 25 cal to joules: 25 × 4.184 = 104.6 J. To convert in the opposite direction, divide by 4.184, or equivalently multiply by 0.239006.

About calories

The calorie (lowercase c) was originally defined as the heat required to raise 1 gram of water by 1°C. It is a tiny unit, often called the 'gram calorie'. It is mostly used in chemistry and physics today, not for food. calories are commonly used in Chemistry experiments, Thermodynamics, Specific heat capacity, and Physics problems.

Heating 1 gram of water by 1°C takes 1 calorie.

About joules

The Joule (J) is the standard unit of energy in the International System of Units (SI). It is named after James Prescott Joule, who proved that heat is a form of energy. One Joule is the work done by a force of one Newton moving an object one meter. It is a small unit: lifting a small apple one meter takes about 1 Joule. joules are commonly used in Scientific research, Physics education, Electronics ratings, and Kinetic energy calculations, Work done.

The energy of a heartbeat is roughly 1 Joule.

When Would You Convert calories to joules?

Converting between calories and joules is one of the most common energy conversions. You might need this conversion when working with international specifications, following instructions written for a different measurement system, or comparing values across different standards. Having the conversion factor (1 cal = 4.184 J) memorized or bookmarked can save time in professional and everyday contexts alike.