Converting kcal to joules: A simple guide

[jmandas]

okay I'm having a total brain freeze right now,guess it's because of all the finals I'm studying for. Anyways...I need help converting kcal to joules. Very easy I know...but I'm dumbfounded right now.

I have 14.4 kcal and I need to have joules...so do I divide or multiply by 4186 J? Thanks for the help.

 

[Doc Al]

Multiply. 1 kcal = 4186 J. So 14.4 kcal = 14.4*4186 J.

 

[FredGarvin]

Multiply. When in doubt, set up the conversion as an equation and get the units to end up the way you need them:

$$(14.4 kcal)(4184 \frac{J}{kcal}) = ...$$

 

[jdavel]

Neither! You multiply by 4186 J/kcal


Edit: I took too long. All three answers so far are the same.