Australian food labels use kilojoules, while diet advice usually talks in calories. They measure the same thing: 1 calorie is 4.184 kJ. Here is how to read a label and convert between the two.
Australian food labels show energy in kilojoules (kJ), and some also show calories (kcal). To convert, divide kJ by 4.184. So 1,000 kJ is about 239 calories.
Kilojoules are the metric unit of energy, and they are the unit used on Australian and New Zealand nutrition information panels. Calories are the older unit still used in diet talk and apps. Both measure the same thing.
A snack bar lists 650 kJ per serve and 1,630 kJ per 100 g. Per serve is 650 ÷ 4.184 = about 155 calories. If you eat two serves, that is about 1,300 kJ, or roughly 311 calories.
The 8,700 kJ figure printed on many Australian panels is an average adult daily reference, equal to about 2,079 calories. It is not a personal target. Your own needs depend on age, size, sex and activity, and the calorie calculator can estimate yours.
| Kilojoules | Calories (kcal) |
|---|---|
| 500 kJ | 120 kcal |
| 1,000 kJ | 239 kcal |
| 1,500 kJ | 359 kcal |
| 2,000 kJ | 478 kcal |
| 4,000 kJ | 956 kcal |
| 8,700 kJ | 2,079 kcal |
For any other value, use the kJ to calories converter.
Does Australia use calories or kilojoules?
Australian food labels use kilojoules, and some products also show calories. Diet advice and apps often use calories.
How do I convert kJ to calories?
Divide kilojoules by 4.184. For example, 2,000 kJ is about 478 calories.
How many calories is 8,700 kJ?
About 2,079 calories. 8,700 kJ is an average adult daily energy reference on Australian labels, not a personal target.
Which column should I use to compare products?
Use the per 100 g (or 100 mL) column, because serving sizes differ between products.
Is a calorie the same as a kilocalorie?
Yes. The calories on food labels and in diet advice are kilocalories (kcal).