Convert Kilotons of TNT to Millijoules

Convert Kilotons of TNT (kt(TNT)) to Millijoules (mJ) instantly and accurately.

Kilotons of TNT (kt(TNT))
Millijoules (mJ)

Conversion Formula

mJ = kt(TNT) × 4.184000000e+15

About Kilotons of TNT

A kiloton of TNT (kt(TNT)) = 10³ tons of TNT = exactly 4.184 TJ. It is the standard unit for sub-megaton nuclear weapon yields. Hiroshima's Little Boy: ~12-18 kt; Nagasaki's Fat Man: ~19-23 kt. The W88 warhead (Trident II) is ~475 kt; the W76 is ~100 kt. The Beirut port explosion (2020): estimated 0.5-1.1 kt. A magnitude 5.0 earthquake releases ~0.5-2 kt of seismic energy. A kiloton blast creates a fireball ~90-100 m radius and a lethal thermal radius of ~1-2 km. 1 kt(TNT) = 4.184 TJ = 1,162.8 MWh.

About Millijoules

A millijoule (mJ) is 10⁻³ J - the scale of surgical lasers, spark ignition, and the kinetic energy of small everyday objects. Nd:YAG lasers for ophthalmology and tattoo removal deliver 10-200 mJ per pulse. The minimum spark energy to ignite methane-air is ~0.29 mJ; an automotive spark plug discharges 30-60 mJ per cycle. A 2 g mosquito flying at 1 m/s has kinetic energy ½ × 0.002 × 1² = 1 mJ. Electrocautery monopolar pulses deliver 50-500 mJ to coagulate blood vessels. 1 mJ = 10⁻³ J = 0.2390 cal.

Quick Reference Table

Kilotons of TNT (kt(TNT))Millijoules (mJ)
1 kt(TNT)4.184 × 1015 mJ
2 kt(TNT)8.368 × 1015 mJ
5 kt(TNT)2.092 × 1016 mJ
10 kt(TNT)4.184 × 1016 mJ
25 kt(TNT)1.046 × 1017 mJ
50 kt(TNT)2.092 × 1017 mJ
100 kt(TNT)4.184 × 1017 mJ

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