Kilocalories are the same as calories and measure energy. Here are a few tips on how to calculate kilocalories.
What Is a Kilocalorie?
In science, a kilocalorie is the amount of energy you consume in food or burn during exercise, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
As stated in an August 2021 StatPearls article, there are two types of calories: “small” calories (cal) and “large” calories, (cal). A kilocalorie (kcal) is equal to 1,000 small calories, or one large calorie.
Small calories are uncommon in everyday life – kilocalories, or large calories, are what you see on food labels and in nutrition and exercise recommendations. According to the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the two terms are used interchangeably, so there’s no need to convert kcals to cals.
How to calculate kilocalories?
A calorie can be small or large, depending on its size.
Calories indicate a large amount of energy, and small ones indicate a small amount. If the letter “c” is capitalized, the calorie indicates a large amount of energy.
In a large calorie, 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of water requires 1°C (0.78°F) of energy to raise its temperature.
In contrast, a small calorie is the amount of heat required to raise 1 gram (0.035 ounces) of water by 1°C or 1.8°F.
One large calorie is equal to 1,000 small calories, as one kilogram is equal to 1,000 grams.
Kilocalories – that is, 1,000 calories – are thought to have been created as a way of avoiding confusion between large and small calories.
Small calories are not used in everyday life outside of research in physics and chemistry.
It is preferable to use the term calories, which is capitalized or not, in conjunction with the term kcal, as they refer to the same amount of energy in relation to food or exercise.
Thus, one kilocalorie in nutrition equals one calorie, so no conversion is necessary.
Alternatively, kilojoules (kJ) can be used to express calories.
The energy content of a calorie (kcal) is equal to 4.18 kJ (4,184 J).
Multiply calories by 4.18 to convert to kJ. In the opposite direction, divide kJ by 4.18 to convert it into calories.
115 grams of medium-sized bananas provide 105 calories (kcal) or 439 kcal.
If necessary, convert the calories from the standard serving size to the amount you’re eating. Two slices of wheat bread have 160 calories, while two 3-ounce portions of tuna have 218 calories.
Calculate the total calories by adding up the numbers. Tuna sandwiches have a total of 492 calories, or kilocalories, which is 160 + 218 + 94 + 20.
How to check the calories in food?
Knowing the calorie content of foods and drinks can help you avoid overeating.
Shop-bought foods are often labeled with calorie content as part of the nutrition information.
These details are under the heading “Energy.”. Most calories are expressed in kcals, which represents kilocalories, as well as in kJ, which represents kilojoules.
The unit for calories is the kilocalorie, so 1000 calories will be expressed as 1,000kcal.
Calories are measured in kilojoules. The energy content in kilojoules is calculated by multiplying the calorie figure by 4.2.
You can compare the calorie content of different products by looking at the labels, which usually specify how many calories are in 100 grams or 100 milliliters of the food or drink.
There will also be a calorie count on many food labels.
There could be more calories in the portion you serve yourself if the manufacturer’s idea of one portion is different from yours.
You can use the calorie information to determine how a particular food fits into your daily caloric intake.
Some Frequently Asked Questions by users
1. What is the formula for calculating kilocalories?
Calorie and Kilojoule Calculations
Therefore, 1,000 calories are equal to one kilocalorie. For one gram of water to be heated by one degree Celsius, one calorie is required. In other words, 1000 calories are one kilocalorie, the amount of energy it takes to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius
2. Is it possible to calculate Kcals from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats?
Divide the number of calories per gram of each macronutrient by how many calories there are per gram of protein, carbohydrate, and fat. You would need 200 g of protein per day if you are eating 2.000 calories per day.
3. One kilogram is equal to how many kilocalories?
A kilogram of fat contains 7,700 calories. The calorie deficit necessary to lose 1kg of fat is 7,700 calories.
Final thoughts
I hope you now understand how To Calculate Kilocalories. Thank you for reading this article and please feel free to share it with your family and friends. If you have any problems with this guide, please let me know in the comments below.
