kJ to calories converter
Australian food labels use kilojoules and many other countries use calories. Type an amount, pick a direction and get the other unit straight away.
Updated 21 October 2026. Sources named on the page.
- Kilojoules to kilocalories and back
- The exact factor is shown: 1 kcal = 4.184 kJ
- A quick table for common label amounts
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The factor and a quick table
Kilojoules = kilocalories x 4.184. Kilocalories = kilojoules / 4.184 (about 0.239). A quick mental rule: divide kJ by 4 to estimate kcal.
Common amounts
| kilocalories (kcal) | kilojoules (kJ) |
|---|---|
| 100 | 418 |
| 250 | 1,046 |
| 500 | 2,092 |
| 1,000 | 4,184 |
| 1,500 | 6,276 |
| 2,000 | 8,368 |
| 2,500 | 10,460 |
The other way
| kilojoules (kJ) | kilocalories (kcal) |
|---|---|
| 500 | 120 |
| 1,000 | 239 |
| 2,000 | 478 |
| 8,700 | 2,079 |
Sources: The thermochemical calorie is defined as 4.184 joules, so 1 kcal = 4.184 kJ
Figures and sources checked 21 October 2026. General information, not medical advice.
Questions
How do I convert kJ to calories?
Divide the kilojoules by 4.184. For example 1,000 kJ is about 239 kcal. For a quick estimate, divide by 4.
How do I convert calories to kJ?
Multiply the kilocalories by 4.184. For example 2,000 kcal is 8,368 kJ.
Are Calories and kcal the same?
On food labels, a Calorie with a capital C and a kilocalorie (kcal) are the same thing. That is the unit this converter uses.
Why do Australian labels use kilojoules?
Australia and New Zealand use the metric unit of energy, the kilojoule, on food labels. Many other countries show kilocalories, so both are useful.
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