cal

What is a Calorie?

The calorie is a traditional energy unit originally defined based on heating water.

The calorie is a traditional energy unit originally defined based on heating water.

Historically common in chemistry and nutrition science.

Measurement system: Non-SI, traditional unit. SI equivalent: 1 cal = 4.184 J.

Calorie facts

Unit name
Calorie
Symbol
cal
Category
Energy
Measurement system
Non-SI, traditional unit
SI equivalent
1 cal = 4.184 J
Common uses
Nutrition science and chemistry

Definition of the calorie

The calorie is a traditional energy unit originally defined based on heating water.

Measurement system and SI relationship

Non-SI, traditional unit

SI equivalent: 1 cal = 4.184 J

History of the calorie

Historically common in chemistry and nutrition science.

Where is the calorie used?

Nutrition science and chemistry

Calorie conversion tools

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