Free Kilojoules to Calories (kcal) Converter
Convert kilojoules (kJ) to food calories (kcal) — handy for reading nutrition labels in countries that print energy in kilojoules, such as Australia, New Zealand, and across the EU.
Pick any units and edit either box — it converts instantly in your browser.
Quick answer
To convert kilojoules to calories (kcal), divide by 4.184, because one food calorie equals 4.184 kilojoules. For example, 500 kJ is about 119.5 kcal.
Formula & method
calories (kcal) = kilojoules × 0.2390057361
- kJ — value in kilojoules
- kcal — result in calories (kcal)
- 0.2390057361 — exact conversion factor (1 kJ = 0.2390057361 kcal)
To convert back, divide by 0.2390057361 (1 kcal = 4.184 kJ).
Kilojoules to Calories (kcal) — common values
| Kilojoules (kJ) | Calories (kcal) (kcal) |
|---|---|
| 100 kJ | 23.9 kcal |
| 250 kJ | 59.75 kcal |
| 500 kJ | 119.5 kcal |
| 1,000 kJ | 239.01 kcal |
| 2,000 kJ | 478.01 kcal |
| 4,184 kJ | 1,000 kcal |
| 8,368 kJ | 2,000 kcal |
| 10,000 kJ | 2,390.06 kcal |
Examples
- Input
- 100 kJ
- Result
- 23.9 kcal
- Why
- Roughly the energy in a single plain biscuit.
- Input
- 500 kJ
- Result
- 119.5 kcal
- Why
- About the energy in a small yoghurt or a piece of fruit and nuts.
- Input
- 2,000 kJ
- Result
- 478.01 kcal
- Why
- Energy on a label is often shown per serving in kilojoules.
- Input
- 8,368 kJ
- Result
- 2,000 kcal
- Why
- Around 2,000 kcal, a common daily energy reference value.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up unit definitions — Uses the thermochemical/food calorie: 1 kcal = 4.184 kJ.
- Rounding too early. Multiply by the full factor (0.2390057361) first, then round only the final calories (kcal) value.
- Converting the wrong way. This page goes Kilojoules → Calories (kcal); to go back, divide by 0.2390057361.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 'calorie' on food labels the same as a kcal?
Yes. The 'Calorie' (with a capital C) used for food is a kilocalorie (kcal) — 1,000 small calories. So when a label says 200 Calories, it means 200 kcal.
What is the exact kJ to kcal factor?
1 kcal = 4.184 kJ (the thermochemical/food calorie). To go from kilojoules to kilocalories, divide the kilojoules by 4.184.
Why do some countries use kilojoules instead of calories?
The kilojoule is the SI (metric) unit of energy, so Australia, New Zealand, and many EU labels show food energy in kJ. Both measure the same thing — energy — just on different scales.
How many calories are in 1000 kJ?
1000 kJ is about 239 kcal (1000 ÷ 4.184). Many packaged servings fall in the 500–2,000 kJ range.
Is this accurate enough for tracking my diet?
Yes. The 4.184 factor is the internationally used conversion, so the result matches the dual kJ/kcal figures printed on nutrition labels.
Sources & references
External references open in a new tab. We are independent and not affiliated with these organizations.
- ✓ Free to use
- ✓ No sign-up required
- ✓ Runs entirely in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
- ✓ Formula and method shown above
Provided “as is” for general information only — results may be inaccurate, so verify before you rely on them. No warranty; use at your own risk.
Built and reviewed by HIFreeTools against the formula shown above and any authoritative references cited on this page. See our methodology and editorial standards.
Related tools
- Calories (kcal) to Kilojoules ConverterConverters
- Percentage CalculatorCalculators
Embed this tool on your site
Free to embed, no sign-up. Paste this code where you want the kilojoules to calories (kcal) converter to appear: