How to convert kilocalories to british thermal units
To convert a measurement in kilocalories to british thermal units, multiply the value by 3.965667. The conversion factor comes from the relationship between both units and the joule.
For example, to convert 5 kcal to british thermal units: 5 × 3.965667 = 19.828334 BTU.
What is a kilocalorie?
A kilocalorie equals 1,000 small calories, or exactly 4,184 joules, and is the 'Calorie' shown on food nutrition labels. The food Calorie (capital C) is actually a kilocalorie. This convention, established in nutrition science, means a 500-Calorie meal contains 500 kilocalories, or about 2,092 kilojoules.
Common uses of kilocalories include: Food energy (the dietary 'Calorie'); Metabolism and exercise burn estimates; Nutrition and diet planning; Bomb-calorimetry food testing.
What is a british thermal unit?
A British thermal unit (BTU) is the energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit, about 1,055 joules. The BTU arose from imperial heating and steam engineering. It remains the dominant unit for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning capacity in the United States, where furnaces and air conditioners are rated in BTU.
Common uses of british thermal units include: Air conditioner and furnace ratings; Heating and cooling load calculations; Natural gas and fuel energy content; HVAC system sizing in the US.
Kilocalories to british thermal units worked examples
Here are some common values converted:
1 kcal = 3.965667 BTU 5 kcal = 19.828334 BTU 10 kcal = 39.656668 BTU 50 kcal = 198.283342 BTU 100 kcal = 396.566683 BTU
Frequently asked questions
How many british thermal units are in one kilocalorie?
One kilocalorie (kcal) equals 3.965667 british thermal units (BTU). Multiply any value in kilocalories by 3.965667 to convert to british thermal units.
How do I convert kilocalories to british thermal units?
Multiply the value in kilocalories by 3.965667. For example, 5 kcal × 3.965667 = 19.828334 BTU.
How do I convert british thermal units to kilocalories?
Multiply the value in british thermal units by 0.252164400722, or divide by 3.965667. Use the swap button on the converter above to reverse the direction.
Is the kilocalorie to british thermal unit 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 kilocalories to british thermal units?
The formula is: BTU = kcal × 3.965667. This comes from the definition of both units relative to the joule.