109 LearnersLast updated on July 9th, 2025
Kcal to Cal Conversion
Calories are units that measure energy. In nutrition, calories can be found in food and drinks. There are two units related to calories: kilocalories (kcal) and calories (cal). A kilocalorie is 1,000 calories, and it is often used in dietary contexts to make the numbers easier to manage. Sometimes we need to convert kcal to cal to understand the energy content in food better. In this topic, we will learn how to convert kilocalories to calories.
What is Kcal?
A kilocalorie (kcal) is a unit of energy measurement commonly used in nutrition to quantify the energy content in food. It is equivalent to 1,000 small calories (cal). In dietary contexts, kilocalories are often referred to simply as "calories," which can be confusing.
The symbol for kilocalories is kcal, and it is typically used on food packaging to indicate energy content.
What is Cal?
A calorie (cal) is a smaller unit of energy measurement. It is often used in scientific contexts rather than in everyday dietary discussions.
One kilocalorie equals 1,000 calories. The symbol for calories is cal.
Kcal to Cal Formula
To convert kilocalories to calories, we use the following formula: 1 kilocalorie = 1,000 calories
Calories = So, to convert from kilocalories to calories, you multiply the number of kilocalories by 1,000.
Conversely, to convert from calories to kilocalories, you divide the number of calories by 1,000.
How to Convert Kcal to Cal?
Converting kilocalories (kcal) to calories (cal) is straightforward using a standard conversion factor. Since 1 kilocalorie is equal to 1,000 calories, we can convert kilocalories to calories by multiplying the number of kilocalories by 1,000.
Steps to convert kcal to cal:
1. Write down the energy in kilocalories.
2. Multiply the value by 1,000 to get the energy in calories.
Formula: Calories =
Kcal to Cal Conversion Chart
When we calculate energy, sometimes we use kilocalories (kcal) and sometimes calories (cal). Simple conversions help us understand how much energy something in kilocalories is in calories.
Below is a chart that shows us the kilocalorie-to-calorie conversions.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Kcal to Cal Conversion
When converting kilocalories to calories, people often make mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to help understand the concepts of conversions better.
Mistake 1
Using the wrong conversion factor
People might confuse the conversion factor by using incorrect values, such as thinking 1 kilocalorie equals 100 calories instead of 1,000.
Mistake 2
Rounding too soon
Individuals might round numbers too early during calculations, leading to incorrect results. For example, instead of writing 2.5 kcal × 1,000 = 2,500 cal, they might round it to 2,600 cal, which is inaccurate.
Mistake 3
Misplacing decimal points
People can mistakenly place the decimal point incorrectly, leading to inaccurate values. For example, instead of writing the value for 5.5 kcal as 5,500 cal, they might write it as 550 cal.
Mistake 4
Incorrect use of formula
Individuals might confuse the formula and use it incorrectly. For example, instead of multiplying, they divide. To convert any value from kcal to cal, we multiply kcal by 1,000, not divide.
Mistake 5
Misunderstanding the relationship between kcal and cal
Some might misunderstand the relationship between kilocalories and calories, thinking 1 kcal equals 10 calories, but it actually equals 1,000 calories. Remember, 1 kilocalorie is 1,000 calories.
Kcal to Cal Conversion Examples
Problem 1
Convert 3.5 kcal to Cal
3.5 kcal = 3,500 cal
Explanation
We know the conversion factor: 1 kcal = 1,000 cal
Now, multiply 3.5 by the conversion factor: 3.5 × 1,000 = 3,500 cal.
Problem 2
Convert 0.46 kcal to cal.
Solution: Converting 0.46 kcal to calories gives us 460 cal.
Explanation
Use the conversion factor: 1 kcal = 1,000 cal 0.46 × 1,000 = 460 cal
Problem 3
A snack contains 1.2 kcal. What is the energy content in calories?
The energy content of the snack is 1,200 calories.
Explanation
Convert 1.2 kcal to calories: 1.2 kcal = 1.2 × 1,000 = 1,200 calories
Energy = 1,200 calories.
Problem 4
The drink has 0.18 kcal. What is its energy content in calories?
The energy content in calories is 180 cal.
Explanation
Convert 0.18 kcal to calories: 0.18 kcal = 0.18 × 1,000 = 180 cal
Energy = 180 cal (approximately).
Problem 5
Converting 9.9 kcal to Cal
9.9 kcal = 9,900 cal
Explanation
Step 1: Use the conversion factor. 1 kcal = 1,000 cal
Step 2: Multiply 9.9 by 1,000. 9.9 × 1,000 = 9,900 cal
FAQs on Kcal to Cal
1.How many calories is 1 kilocalorie?
2.What is 8.5 kcal in calories?
3.Is consuming 1,500 kcal the same as consuming 1,500 cal?
4.How do I convert 10 kcal to calories?
Important Glossaries for Kcal to Cal
- Conversion: The process of changing one unit of measurement into another, such as converting kilocalories to calories.
- Kilocalorie (kcal): A unit of energy measurement equal to 1,000 calories, used in dietary contexts.
- Calorie (cal): A smaller unit of energy measurement, often used in scientific contexts.
- Energy: The capacity to do work, often measured in kilocalories or calories in the context of food.
- Factor: A number by which another number is multiplied, such as the 1,000 in the kcal to cal conversion.
Seyed Ali Fathima S
About the Author
Seyed Ali Fathima S a math expert with nearly 5 years of experience as a math teacher. From an engineer to a math teacher, shows her passion for math and teaching. She is a calculator queen, who loves tables and she turns tables to puzzles and songs.
Fun Fact
: She has songs for each table which helps her to remember the tables
