Energy Converter

Frequently asked questions

Is a food calorie the same as a calorie?

A food Calorie shown on nutrition labels is actually a kilocalorie, equal to 1000 small calories or 4184 joules. So a 2000 Calorie diet means 2000 kcal. This converter uses the thermochemical calorie of 4.184 joules and treats kcal as 1000 of those.

How many joules are in a kilowatt-hour?

One kilowatt-hour equals 3,600,000 joules (3.6 MJ). This is because a kilowatt is 1000 watts (1000 joules per second) and an hour is 3600 seconds, giving 1000 times 3600 joules. Electricity bills use kWh as the billing unit.

What is the difference between a BTU and a joule?

A BTU (British thermal unit) is the amount of energy needed to raise one pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. It equals approximately 1055 joules. BTUs are still common in HVAC, heating, and cooling equipment ratings in the United States.

Which energy unit should I use for scientific work?

The SI unit is the joule, and it is the standard for scientific and engineering calculations. Kilojoules are convenient for chemistry and nutrition. Kilowatt-hours suit electrical energy. BTU is retained in US-market heating and cooling contexts.