Megajoules (MJ) to Kilocalories (kcal) Conversion
Megajoules
The megajoule (MJ) is a unit of energy equal to exactly 1,000,000 joules (10⁶ J). It is used in energy policy, engineering, and physics for large-scale energy quantities. One kilowatt-hour (kWh) equals exactly 3.6 MJ — the conversion fundamental to understanding electricity bills. A litre of petrol contains approximately 34 MJ of chemical energy. The explosive yield of conventional explosives is sometimes expressed in megajoules.
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.
| Megajoules (MJ) | Kilocalories (kcal) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 MJ | 23.9006 kcal |
| 1 MJ | 239.0057 kcal |
| 2 MJ | 478.0115 kcal |
| 3 MJ | 717.0172 kcal |
| 5 MJ | 1,195.0287 kcal |
| 10 MJ | 2,390.0574 kcal |
| 20 MJ | 4,780.1147 kcal |
| 30 MJ | 7,170.1721 kcal |
| 50 MJ | 11,950.2868 kcal |
| 100 MJ | 23,900.5736 kcal |
| 1000 MJ | 239,005.7361 kcal |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many kilocalories are in 1 megajoules?
1 megajoules (MJ) is exactly 239.006 kilocalories (kcal).
How do I convert megajoules to kilocalories?
Multiply the value in megajoules by 239.006 to get the result in kilocalories. Or use the converter above — type any number and see the result instantly.