How much energy does 1 calorie equate to in kilojoules?

1 calorie is defined as the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius. In the metric system, energy is often expressed in joules or kilojoules, and the conversion between calories and kilojoules is a standard calculation in nutrition.

The specific conversion factor is that 1 calorie is approximately equal to 4.182 kilojoules. This value is crucial in nutritional science, as it helps in understanding and calculating the energy content of food. When you consider dietary energy, it is typically measured in kilojoules in many countries, making this conversion essential for interpreting energy intake in food labeling and dietary guidelines.

Recognizing this conversion allows for a clear understanding of how caloric values relate to energy expenditures, making it fundamental for anyone studying nutrition. This knowledge is also essential in making informed dietary choices and understanding how energy balance affects health.