kcal
Units & Measurements abbreviation · Engineering Unit
| Stands for | Kilocalorie |
|---|---|
| Categories | Units & Measurements |
kcal stands for Kilocalorie, an engineering unit abbreviation.
A thousand calories, identical to the food Calorie and about 4.184 kilojoules. European, UK and many other food labels show energy in kcal alongside kJ, and dietitians and sports scientists plan diets in kcal.
Example: Energy per 100 g: 1,550 kJ / 370 kcal.
Usage notes
Fitness trackers and gym machines report energy burned in kcal, often labeled simply "cal". Adult basal metabolic rate is typically 1,300 to 2,000 kcal per day. EU Regulation 1169/2011 on food information requires energy values in both kJ and kcal.