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To convert from Joule (J) to Kilowatt-hour (kWh), use the following formula:
Let's convert 5 Joule (J) to Kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Using the formula:
Therefore, 5 Joule (J) is equal to Kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Here are some quick reference conversions from Joule (J) to Kilowatt-hour (kWh):
| Joules | Kilowatt-hours |
|---|---|
| 0.000001 J | kWh |
| 0.001 J | kWh |
| 0.1 J | kWh |
| 1 J | kWh |
| 2 J | kWh |
| 3 J | kWh |
| 4 J | kWh |
| 5 J | kWh |
| 6 J | kWh |
| 7 J | kWh |
| 8 J | kWh |
| 9 J | kWh |
| 10 J | kWh |
| 20 J | kWh |
| 30 J | kWh |
| 40 J | kWh |
| 50 J | kWh |
| 100 J | kWh |
| 1000 J | kWh |
| 10000 J | kWh |
For all Energy converters, choose units using the From/To dropdowns above.
The joule (J), as part of the International System of Units (SI), is a fundamental unit used to measure energy.
Whether you're discussing the electricity that powers your home, the work done by a machine, or the energy you get from food, the joule is the universal standard.
Key Takeaways:
A joule (J) represents the amount of work done when a force of one newton moves an object by one meter.
This is formally expressed as:
1 J = 1 N·m
To make that simpler, think of it this way: lifting a small apple (which weighs about one newton) one meter straight up requires about one joule of energy.
This direct link between force, distance, and energy makes the joule a cornerstone unit in physics and engineering.
It's easy to mix up joules and watts, but the key difference is time.
Specifically, one watt is equal to one joule of energy transferred per second (1 W = 1 J/s).
For example, a 100-watt light bulb uses 100 joules of electrical energy every second it is on.
While many food labels use calories (specifically kilocalories, or kcal), the official SI unit for food energy is the joule.
The conversion is straightforward:
1 food calorie (kcal) ≈ 4,184 joules or 4.184 kilojoules (kJ)
Using joules and kilojoules (kJ) provides a universal, scientific standard for measuring the energy we get from food. This is why you will often see "kJ" on nutrition labels in many parts of the world.
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a measurement of energy. It's the standard unit your utility company uses to measure how much electricity you use.
While it has a technical definition (one kWh equals 3.6 million Joules), it's much easier to understand in terms of how you use appliances at home.
Your utility company uses the kilowatt-hour (kWh) to bill you for the total amount of electrical energy your home or business consumes over a period.
Every appliance, from your refrigerator to your television, has a power rating in watts.
When you use a 1,000-watt (or 1-kilowatt) appliance for one full hour, you consume exactly one kilowatt-hour of energy. This usage is tracked by your electric meter and shows up on your monthly bill.
A common point of confusion is the distinction between a kilowatt (kW) and a kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Here's a simple analogy to make it clear: Kilowatts (kW) are like your car's speed, and kilowatt-hours (kWh) are like the distance you travel.
Power (kW) measures how fast you're using energy right now (your speed).
Energy (kWh) measures the total amount of electricity you used over your entire journey (the distance you traveled).
To put it in perspective, one kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a significant amount of energy that can power various common household activities.
For example, a single kWh can let you:
This unit provides a tangible way to understand and track your daily energy consumption.