what does kcal stand for
KCAL stands for kilocalorie and it means 1000 calories. However, usage of the term calorie varies. The scientific definition is that a Calorie -- with an upper case C -- is the same as a KCAL. In common usage, calorie -- with a lower case c -- equals KCAL. KCAL is a unit measure of energy. It is equal to the heat energy needed to increase the temperature of a kilogram of water by 1 degree Celsius, according to the Netwellness website. A calorie refers to the amount of energy needed to heat up a gram of water by 1 degree.