How to Change from kJ to cal on Cronometer

According to scientific standards, 1 kilocalorie (or kcal, what we typically call a calorie) is equal to 4.184 kilojoules (kJ). For users in countries that use kilojoules on nutritional labels, this can make tracking in Cronometer a challenge, but thankfully, changing your energy units from kJ to cal is a straightforward process within the app's display settings.

Quick Summary

This guide provides instructions on how to switch your energy units from kilojoules (kJ) to calories (cal) within the Cronometer app. It covers the necessary steps for both mobile and web users by navigating to the display settings. The process is simple and allows you to customize how your nutritional energy is shown in your daily diary and reports.

Key Points

• Easy Access: Change energy units in Cronometer by navigating to the "More" tab and selecting "Display" on both the mobile app and website.

• Quick Mobile Fix: For mobile users, go to More > Display > Units and select "Calories (kcal)" to switch from kilojoules (kJ).

• Web Version Method: On the Cronometer website, click the "More" tab, then "Settings," and finally the "Display" tab to find and change the unit setting.

• No Conversions Needed: Making this change automatically converts all energy values in your diary and reports, removing the need for manual calculations.

• Understand the Units: While the terms are often used interchangeably in everyday language, 1 kcal (or nutritional Calorie) is equal to approximately 4.184 kJ.

• Choose Consistency: Select the energy unit that aligns with the food labels you regularly read for a smoother, more accurate tracking experience.

Why Cronometer Displays kJ and How to Change It

While many regions, particularly the United States, use calories (kcal) as the standard unit for tracking energy, other areas like Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Europe use kilojoules (kJ). Cronometer, as a comprehensive and internationally-used nutrition tracker, supports both options. If your app is displaying kJ and you prefer to track in calories, the solution lies in a quick adjustment within your display settings. This simple change eliminates the need for manual conversions and aligns the app with your regional nutritional labeling.

Step-by-Step: Changing Units on the Cronometer Mobile App

Changing your energy units on the Cronometer mobile application is a simple process that takes only a few taps.

1. Open the Cronometer App: Launch the app on your Android or iOS device.
2. Navigate to Settings: Tap the More tab, located at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
3. Find Display Settings: From the menu, select Display.
4. Change Energy Units: Within the General Diary section, find the Units option. This setting controls whether energy is shown in kilojoules (kJ) or Calories (kcal).
5. Select 'Calories (kcal)': Tap the Units option and choose Calories (kcal) from the dropdown menu to apply the change.

Once complete, your diary and reports will reflect energy in calories, making it consistent with the nutritional information you typically see on food labels.

Step-by-Step: Changing Units on the Cronometer Website

For users who prefer the web version, the process is equally simple and just as effective.

1. Log In to Your Account: Go to the Cronometer website and log in with your credentials.
2. Access Settings: Click on the More tab at the top of the page, then select Settings from the dropdown menu.
3. Choose Display Tab: Click on the Display tab in the left-hand navigation pane.
4. Update Energy Units: Look for the Units heading. Here, you will find the option to select your preferred energy unit.
5. Select 'Calories (kcal)': Click the dropdown and choose Calories (kcal). The changes will save automatically.

Understanding the kJ vs. Calorie Difference

It is helpful to understand the relationship between kilojoules and calories. While they both measure energy, they use a different scale.

• Kilojoule (kJ): The International System of Units (SI) standard for energy measurement.
• Calorie (kcal): Often used in the United States and the United Kingdom. Note that the 'calorie' used in nutrition is actually a kilocalorie (kcal), which is 1,000 small, scientific calories.

The conversion factor is approximately 1 kcal = 4.184 kJ. Manually calculating this for every food item is a hassle that Cronometer's unit setting thankfully eliminates.

Comparison: kJ vs. Cal Tracking

Regardless of whether you use kJ or calories, Cronometer can accurately track your nutrition. The key is consistency with the nutritional labels you reference. The following table illustrates the main differences.

Feature	Kilojoules (kJ)	Calories (kcal)
Measurement System	International System (SI)	Common nutritional unit (1 kcal = 1,000 small calories)
Usage	Common on nutritional labels in Australia, New Zealand, and the EU	Common on nutritional labels in the US and UK
Conversion	1 kJ is approximately 0.239 kcal	1 kcal is approximately 4.184 kJ
Precision in Conversion	The 1 kJ to 1 kcal approximation is sometimes used for rough estimates, but is inaccurate.	Directly reflects the food label data typically used for tracking in the US/UK.

Conclusion: Personalize Your Tracking Experience

Switching from kJ to cal on Cronometer is a simple yet impactful way to streamline your nutritional tracking. By adjusting a single setting, you can ensure that the energy values displayed align perfectly with the food labels you read every day. This personalized approach reduces confusion and mathematical errors, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your health and fitness goals. Whether you prefer the detailed view on the web or the convenience of the mobile app, Cronometer's flexible display settings have you covered.

Tips for a Seamless Transition

• Check your food labels: Ensure your chosen unit (cal or kJ) matches the labels of the food you primarily consume. If you use the barcode scanner, Cronometer will pull the appropriate data, but confirming your display units are correct for manual entry is vital.
• Educate yourself: Understanding the difference between kcal and kJ will give you a better context for the numbers you are tracking. Remember, one is not better than the other—they are simply different scales for the same thing.
• Utilize support: If you encounter any issues, Cronometer's support articles provide clear instructions, and the user forums are helpful for peer advice.

Changing units is a quick customization that makes a world of difference for users tracking their nutrition across different regions. You can now get back to tracking with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between kJ and cal?

The main difference is the scale. A calorie (kcal) is a unit of energy commonly used in the U.S., while a kilojoule (kJ) is the standard metric unit used in many other countries. One kcal is equal to 4.184 kJ.

Will changing the units affect my historical data in Cronometer?

No, changing the energy units in your display settings will simply change how your data is shown. The underlying nutritional information remains the same and will be converted automatically to reflect the newly selected unit.

Can I set different units for different nutrients, such as weight in kg and energy in cal?

Yes, Cronometer allows for a high degree of customization. You can set different unit preferences for various metrics, including weight, height, and energy units, independently of each other.

Why is my Cronometer app showing kJ by default?

Your app may be defaulting to kJ if you originally set your region or measurement system to a country that uses metric units. Many users in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the EU will see kJ as the default.

How do I change energy units for a professional client's account in Cronometer?

Cronometer Pro users can change client settings by going to the More tab > Display (after selecting a client). Here, you can choose whether the client's energy is displayed in Calories (kcal) or kilojoules (kJ).

Is it possible to track both kJ and cal at the same time?

No, Cronometer displays energy in one unit at a time for consistency in the daily diary and reports. However, you can switch back and forth in the display settings as needed.

Will changing the unit from kJ to cal in the display also change my energy targets?

Yes, if your energy targets were originally set in kJ, they will be automatically converted to the corresponding calorie (kcal) value when you switch your display units. The core target remains, but the unit of measure changes.