How to convert calories to kilowatt-hours
To convert a measurement in calories to kilowatt-hours, multiply the value by 0.000001162222. The conversion factor comes from the relationship between both units and the joule.
For example, to convert 5 cal to kilowatt-hours: 5 × 0.000001162222 = 0.000005811111 kWh.
What is a calorie?
A calorie (small calorie) is the energy needed to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius, defined as exactly 4.184 joules. The calorie originated in early-19th-century thermodynamics. The thermochemical calorie, fixed at exactly 4.184 J, is the modern standard, though it is often confused with the larger food Calorie (kilocalorie).
Common uses of calories include: Chemistry and thermodynamics; Heat-of-reaction measurements; Physics heat-transfer problems; Historical energy references.
What is a kilowatt-hour?
A kilowatt-hour equals 1,000 watt-hours, or 3.6 million joules, and is the standard unit for billing electrical energy. The kilowatt-hour became the universal unit of electricity metering because it conveniently expresses household consumption. Running a 1,000-watt appliance for one hour uses exactly one kWh.
Common uses of kilowatt-hours include: Household electricity billing; Electric vehicle battery capacity; Home solar and battery systems; Energy audits and efficiency ratings.
Calories to kilowatt-hours worked examples
Here are some common values converted:
1 cal = 0.000001162222 kWh 5 cal = 0.000005811111 kWh 10 cal = 0.000011622222 kWh 50 cal = 0.000058111111 kWh 100 cal = 0.000116222222 kWh
Frequently asked questions
How many kilowatt-hours are in one calorie?
One calorie (cal) equals 0.000001162222 kilowatt-hours (kWh). Multiply any value in calories by 0.000001162222 to convert to kilowatt-hours.
How do I convert calories to kilowatt-hours?
Multiply the value in calories by 0.000001162222. For example, 5 cal × 0.000001162222 = 0.000005811111 kWh.
How do I convert kilowatt-hours to calories?
Multiply the value in kilowatt-hours by 860,420.6501, or divide by 0.000001162222. Use the swap button on the converter above to reverse the direction.
Is the calorie to kilowatt-hour conversion exact?
The thermochemical calorie is defined as exactly 4.184 J and the BTU as 1055.056 J. Conversions between SI energy units are exact.
What is the formula for calories to kilowatt-hours?
The formula is: kWh = cal × 0.000001162222. This comes from the definition of both units relative to the joule.