Joules to Calories Converter
Converts joules from physics problems into small (thermochemical) calories. For food energy, use kJ to kcal.
1 J = 0.239 cal
calories
1 J = 0.239 cal
How to convert joules to calories
Divide the number of joules by 4.184.
Formula
cal = J ÷ 4.184
For a quick estimate, multiply by about 0.239006.
Examples
- 10 J ÷ 4.184 = 2.3901 cal
- 1,000 J ÷ 4.184 = 239.0057 cal
- 100,000 J ÷ 4.184 = 23,900.5736 cal
Joules to calories conversion table
| Joules (J) | Calories (cal) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.239 |
| 4.184 | 1 |
| 10 | 2.3901 |
| 50 | 11.9503 |
| 100 | 23.9006 |
| 250 | 59.7514 |
| 500 | 119.5029 |
| 1,000 | 239.0057 |
| 2,000 | 478.0115 |
| 4,184 | 1,000 |
| 5,000 | 1,195.0287 |
| 10,000 | 2,390.0574 |
| 100,000 | 23,900.5736 |
Values rounded to 4 decimal places or 4 significant digits.
About joules
The joule is the SI unit of energy. One joule is the work done by a force of one newton over one meter, or one watt of power for one second.
About calories
The calorie used here is the thermochemical calorie, exactly 4.184 joules: roughly the energy needed to warm one gram of water by 1 °C. Food labels that say "calories" actually mean kilocalories.
Frequently asked questions
How many calories are in one joule?
One joule equals 0.239 calories (rounded).
How do I convert joules to calories?
Divide the number of joules by 4.184. For example: 1,000 J ÷ 4.184 = 239.0057 cal.
How many joules are in one calorie?
One calorie equals 4.184 joules.
Is the J to cal conversion exact?
Yes. The factor follows directly from the official definitions of both units, so the only rounding is in how many decimals are displayed.