The Kilojoule Standard Explained
Across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, nutritional information panels list energy content in kilojoules (kJ). If you are reading food labels in these countries, calculating your dietary targets in calories requires mental math unless you use a simultaneous dual-unit tool like Calorie.day.
Daily Kilojoule Weight Loss Targets by Category
| Profile Category | Estimated Maintenance (kJ) | Moderate Weight Loss Target (kJ) | Calorie Equivalent (kcal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedentary Female (Desk Job) | 7,500 – 8,500 kJ | 5,500 – 6,500 kJ / day | 1,315 – 1,550 kcal |
| Active Female (3–5 Workouts) | 8,800 – 10,000 kJ | 6,700 – 7,900 kJ / day | 1,600 – 1,890 kcal |
| Sedentary Male (Desk Job) | 9,500 – 10,500 kJ | 7,400 – 8,400 kJ / day | 1,770 – 2,000 kcal |
| Active Male (Gym Lifter) | 11,500 – 13,000 kJ | 9,400 – 10,900 kJ / day | 2,246 – 2,605 kcal |
How to Convert Your Australian / NZ Food Labels
When shopping in supermarkets in Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, or London, look at the "Per Serving" or "Per 100g" column:
- To convert kJ to kcal: Divide the kilojoules by 4.184 (e.g.
1,000 kJ ÷ 4.184 = 239 kcal). - To convert kcal to kJ: Multiply the calories by 4.184 (e.g.
500 kcal × 4.184 = 2,092 kJ).