20 kcal equals 20,000 cal.
This conversion is done by recognizing that 1 kilocalorie (kcal) is equal to 1,000 calories (cal). So when converting 20 kcal to cal, multiply 20 by 1,000, resulting in 20,000 calories.
Conversion Tool
Result in cal:
Conversion Formula
The conversion formula from kilocalories (kcal) to calories (cal) is simple: multiply the number of kilocalories by 1,000.
This happens because 1 kcal equals 1,000 cal. The prefix “kilo-” means 1,000 times the base unit, so 1 kcal is 1,000 cal.
For example, converting 20 kcal to cal:
- Start with the amount in kcal: 20 kcal
- Multiply by 1,000 to convert to cal: 20 × 1,000 = 20,000 cal
Conversion Example
- Convert 5 kcal to cal:
- Multiply 5 by 1,000.
- 5 × 1,000 = 5,000 cal.
- Convert 12.5 kcal to cal:
- Multiply 12.5 by 1,000.
- 12.5 × 1,000 = 12,500 cal.
- Convert 0.75 kcal to cal:
- Multiply 0.75 by 1,000.
- 0.75 × 1,000 = 750 cal.
- Convert -3 kcal to cal:
- Multiply -3 by 1,000.
- -3 × 1,000 = -3,000 cal.
Conversion Chart
| kcal | cal |
|---|---|
| -5.0 | -5000 |
| -4.0 | -4000 |
| -3.0 | -3000 |
| -2.0 | -2000 |
| -1.0 | -1000 |
| 0.0 | 0 |
| 5.0 | 5000 |
| 10.0 | 10000 |
| 15.0 | 15000 |
| 20.0 | 20000 |
| 25.0 | 25000 |
| 30.0 | 30000 |
| 35.0 | 35000 |
| 40.0 | 40000 |
| 45.0 | 45000 |
This chart shows kcal values in the left column and their equivalent in calories on the right. You can find the kcal value you want and see the corresponding cal value without doing manual calculation.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many calories are there in 20 kilocalories?
- What is the calorie equivalent of 20 kcal?
- Is 20 kcal equal to 20,000 cal or 2,000 cal?
- How to convert 20 kcal into calories quickly?
- How many cal are in 20 kcal for dietary purposes?
- Does 20 kcal mean 20 calories or 20,000 calories?
- What formula do I use for converting 20 kcal to cal?
Conversion Definitions
kcal: Kilocalorie, abbreviated as kcal, is a unit of energy representing 1,000 calories. It is commonly used in nutrition to measure the energy content of food. One kcal equals the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1 degree Celsius.
cal: Calorie, often written as cal, is a small unit of energy. It equals the amount of energy required to increase the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius. It is less practical for food energy, so kilocalories are used instead for larger amounts.
Conversion FAQs
Why is 1 kcal equal to 1,000 cal?
The prefix “kilo-” means 1,000 times the base unit. So 1 kilocalorie is exactly 1,000 calories. This relationship comes from the metric system’s use of prefixes to scale units up or down, making kcal a larger unit for practical energy measurement.
Can I use kcal and cal interchangeably when reading nutrition labels?
No, nutrition labels usually report energy in kilocalories (kcal), but sometimes just say “calories.” When you see “calories” on food packages, they usually mean kilocalories, not calories. The difference is a factor of 1,000, so mixing them up causes big mistakes.
How to convert cal back to kcal?
To convert calories (cal) back to kilocalories (kcal), divide the number of calories by 1,000. For example, 20,000 cal divided by 1,000 equals 20 kcal. This reverse conversion is useful when you have energy values in calories but need kcal for food energy.
Are kcal and Cal the same on food packaging?
On food packages, “Cal” with a capital C usually means kilocalorie, the same as kcal. Lowercase “cal” means calorie, the smaller unit. Therefore, 20 Cal means 20 kcal or 20,000 cal. Confusion comes from this capitalization difference.
Why do some sources use calories and others use kcal?
Some sources use “calories” to mean kilocalories for simplicity, especially in food contexts. Scientific contexts prefer kcal or cal to avoid confusion. The difference in naming conventions cause misunderstanding but the units themselves remain consistent in size.