One tonne TNT equivalent
One tonne of TNT equivalent is a conventional unit of energy, defined as 4.184 gigajoules rather than by the variable yield of a particular explosive sample.
Also known as: tonne of TNT, 1 ton TNT equivalent
How big is it?
4.184 GJ of energy
Defined TNT equivalent energy · definition
A little perspective
About 4.18 times the energy of Lightning energy model.
Lightning energy model: A lightning energy model represents the total energy released during a single lightning discharge.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
One tonne TNT equivalent
One tonne of TNT equivalent is conventionally defined as 4.184 gigajoules. It is an energy unit reference, not a claim that every tonne of real TNT releases exactly this amount.
The marked defined tnt equivalent energy is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Lightning energy model
A deliberately rough 1 GJ discharge model. Real flashes vary by orders of magnitude.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked energy is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 4.184 GJ
For comparison, this page uses defined tnt equivalent energy. The record labels this value definition, so the stated convention rather than an inferred average controls the comparison.
One tonne of TNT equivalent is conventionally defined as 4.184 gigajoules. It is an energy unit reference, not a claim that every tonne of real TNT releases exactly this amount.
The identifying illustration and the numerical comparison remain separate. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
One tonne TNT equivalent dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.184 GJ | Not recorded | definition |
Around this scale
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These links use compatible energy records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · EnergyLightning energy model1 GJA lightning energy model represents the total energy released during a single lightning discharge.
Nearest higher value · EnergyAn industrial terajoule1 TJAn industrial terajoule is a large unit of energy used to quantify industrial-scale processes or outputs.Sources and method
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The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NIST — SI conversion factorsInternational foot and mile; avoirdupois mass; liquid US and Imperial capacity.
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EnergyLightning energy model1 GJA lightning energy model represents the total energy released during a single lightning discharge.EnergyAn industrial terajoule1 TJAn industrial terajoule is a large unit of energy used to quantify industrial-scale processes or outputs.
EnergyElectric car battery216 MJAn electric car battery stores energy to power an electric vehicle.
EnergyFreight train at cruising speed1.23 GJThe kinetic energy of a freight train at cruising speed is the energy it has because of its motion along the tracks.
EnergyA 10 kWh day36 MJThis is the amount of electrical energy consumed by a household over the course of one day.
EnergyOne litre of petrol34 MJOne litre of petrol is a standard quantity of liquid fuel used in combustion engines.
EnergyA 2,000 kcal food day8.368 MJDaily food energy is the chemical energy a person obtains from all food and drink consumed over a day.
EnergyHeat one litre of water334.4 kJHeating one litre of water is the energy required to raise the temperature of a standard amount of water to near boiling.