Calories to Joules converter

To convert calories to joules, enter the value in the first field. The result in joules is calculated automatically using the exact conversion factor.

1 cal = 4.184 J
1 J ≈ 0.239005736138 cal

Formula: J = cal × 4.184
cal ≈ J × 0.239005736138

Definitions: 1 cal = 4.184 J

The calorie (cal) here is the thermochemical calorie, exactly 4.184 joules, roughly the energy needed to raise one gram of water by one degree Celsius. It is used in chemistry and physics and should not be confused with the food Calorie, which is a kilocalorie.

The joule (J) is the SI unit of energy and work: the energy of one newton acting over one meter, or of one watt working for one second. It is a small unit, roughly the energy needed to lift a small apple by one meter.

See the conversion table with commonly used values, handy for quick reference or study.