Calories (cal) to Kilocalories (kcal) Conversion
Calories
The calorie (cal) is a unit of energy equal to exactly 4.184 joules, defined as the energy required to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius at 15 °C. This is the thermochemical calorie — distinct from the food calorie (written as Cal or kcal), which is 1,000 times larger. The calorie originated in 19th-century thermodynamics before the joule was established as the SI standard, and persists in chemistry, biology, and food science.
Kilocalories
The kilocalorie (kcal), commonly called a "Calorie" (capital C) in nutritional contexts, is a unit of energy equal to exactly 4,184 joules. It represents the energy needed to raise 1 kg of water by 1 °C. In nutrition, all food energy values are expressed in kcal per gram: carbohydrates and protein provide 4 kcal/g; fat provides 9 kcal/g; alcohol provides 7 kcal/g. An average adult requires approximately 2,000–2,500 kcal per day to maintain body weight.
| Calories (cal) | Kilocalories (kcal) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 cal | 0.0001 kcal |
| 1 cal | 0.001 kcal |
| 2 cal | 0.002 kcal |
| 3 cal | 0.003 kcal |
| 5 cal | 0.005 kcal |
| 10 cal | 0.01 kcal |
| 20 cal | 0.02 kcal |
| 30 cal | 0.03 kcal |
| 50 cal | 0.05 kcal |
| 100 cal | 0.10 kcal |
| 1000 cal | 1.00 kcal |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many kilocalories are in 1 calories?
1 calories (cal) is exactly 0.001 kilocalories (kcal).
How do I convert calories to kilocalories?
Multiply the value in calories by 0.001 to get the result in kilocalories. Or use the converter above — type any number and see the result instantly.