Convert Megajoules to Kilocalories
1 megajoule (MJ) equals 239.0057361 kilocalories (kcal).
1 MJ = 239.0057361 kcal
Type in either box. Scientific notation works: 1.5e-3.
Converting a list? Use the bulk megajoule to kilocalorie converter to paste a column from Excel.
How to Convert Megajoule to Kilocalorie
- 1 MJ = 239.0057361 kcal
- 1 kcal = 0.004184 MJ
- Example: convert 15 MJ to kcal: 15 MJ = 15 × 239.0057361 kcal = 3585.086042 kcal
Reference conditions. kcal: Thermochemical kilocalorie (food Calorie), 4184 J exactly.
Formula
kcal = MJ × 239.0057361377
Derivation from SI units:
- 1 MJ = 10⁶ J
- 1 kcal = 1000 cal = 4184 J (exact)
- 1 MJ = 1000000 J ÷ 4184 J per kcal = 239.0057361377 kcal
Both units are defined exactly, so the factor is exact. Megajoule definition: megajoule; Kilocalorie definition: kilocalorie.
Worked examples
- A reading of 35 MJ converts to 8365.200765 kcal.
35 MJ × 239.0057361 = 8365.200765 kcal - A value of 50 MJ is 11950.28681 kcal.
50 MJ × 239.0057361 = 11950.28681 kcal
Megajoule to Kilocalorie conversion table
| Megajoules (MJ) | Kilocalories (kcal) |
|---|---|
| 1 MJ | 239.0057361 kcal |
| 3.6 MJ | 860.4206501 kcal |
| 10 MJ | 2390.057361 kcal |
| 35 MJ | 8365.200765 kcal |
| 38 MJ | 9082.217973 kcal |
| 45 MJ | 10755.25813 kcal |
| 50 MJ | 11950.28681 kcal |
| 100 MJ | 23900.57361 kcal |
| 1000 MJ | 239005.7361 kcal |
Where it's used
Megajoules are used for fuel heating values (natural gas ≈ 38 MJ/m³, diesel ≈ 45 MJ/kg), while kilocalories appear in food and diet energy (2000 kcal reference intake). Both measure energy, work and heat, so the conversion is a fixed factor.
Megajoule to other energy units
| Conversion | 1 MJ equals |
|---|---|
| megajoule to joule | 1000000 J |
| megajoule to kilojoule | 1000 kJ |
| megajoule to calorie | 239005.7361 cal |
| megajoule to kilocalorie | 239.0057361 kcal |
| megajoule to watt-hour | 277.7777778 Wh |
| megajoule to kilowatt-hour | 0.2777777778 kWh |
| megajoule to BTU | 947.8171203 BTU |
| megajoule to therm | 0.00948043428 thm |
| megajoule to electronvolt | 6.241509074 × 10²⁴ eV |
| megajoule to foot-pound | 737562.1493 ft·lbf |
| megajoule to erg | 10000000000000 erg |
Frequently asked questions
How many kilocalories are in 1 megajoule?
1 MJ = 239.0057361 kcal.
How do I convert megajoules to kilocalories?
Multiply the value in MJ by 239.0057361. For example, 15 MJ × 239.0057361 = 3585.086042 kcal.
Is the MJ to kcal conversion exact?
Yes. Both units are defined exactly, so the ratio is exact; its decimal form does not terminate and is shown here to 10 significant figures (more with the precision selector).
Sources
- The International System of Units (SI), 9th edition (SI Brochure), Bureau International des Poids et Mesures , Table 7, SI prefixes.
- Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI), NIST Special Publication 811, 2008 Edition, National Institute of Standards and Technology , Appendix B.8, "kilocalorie (thermochemical)".
Last reviewed: . Factors are stored exactly and computed with 50-digit decimal arithmetic. See how we verify conversion factors.
Cite this page
APA
Scientific Converters. (2026, October 15). Convert Megajoules to Kilocalories. Retrieved October 17, 2026, from https://scientificconverters.com/energy/megajoules-to-kilocalories/
IEEE
Scientific Converters, "Convert Megajoules to Kilocalories," scientificconverters.com. Accessed: Oct. 17, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://scientificconverters.com/energy/megajoules-to-kilocalories/