How to convert kilocalories to kilojoules
Formula: kJ = kcal × 4.184
Worked example: 500 kcal → 500 × 4.184 = 2,092 kJ
Multiply kilocalories by 4.184 to get kilojoules. A 250 kcal snack bar provides 1,046 kJ, and the 2,000 kcal daily reference equals 8,368 kJ, rounded to 8,400 kJ on European labels.
Kilocalories to kilojoules conversion chart
| Kilocalories (kcal) | Kilojoules (kJ) |
|---|---|
| 50 kcal | 209.2 kJ |
| 100 kcal | 418.4 kJ |
| 150 kcal | 627.6 kJ |
| 200 kcal | 836.8 kJ |
| 250 kcal | 1,046 kJ |
| 300 kcal | 1,255.2 kJ |
| 400 kcal | 1,673.6 kJ |
| 500 kcal | 2,092 kJ |
| 750 kcal | 3,138 kJ |
| 1,000 kcal | 4,184 kJ |
| 1,200 kcal | 5,020.8 kJ |
| 1,500 kcal | 6,276 kJ |
| 1,800 kcal | 7,531.2 kJ |
| 2,000 kcal | 8,368 kJ |
| 2,500 kcal | 10,460 kJ |
| 3,000 kcal | 12,552 kJ |
What is a kilocalorie?
The kilocalorie equals 1,000 small calories, or 4.184 kilojoules. It is the Calorie printed on US Nutrition Facts labels and used in diet and exercise tracking: an adult needs roughly 2,000 to 2,500 kcal a day.
What is a kilojoule?
The kilojoule equals 1,000 joules. Food labels in Europe, Australia and New Zealand list energy in kJ next to kcal; a typical adult reference intake is 8,400 kJ, or 2,000 kcal, per day.