Fuel Cost Calculator
Calculate your trip fuel costs based on distance, fuel efficiency, and gas prices
Quick presets:
Enter current price at your local gas station
Total Fuel Cost
for
Fuel Needed
Total fuel for trip
Cost Per
$
Fuel cost per
Fuel Efficiency
Your vehicle's efficiency
Trip Summary
| Trip Distance | |
| Fuel Efficiency | |
| Fuel Price | |
| Fuel Required | |
| Total Fuel Cost |
Round Trip?
For a round trip, double your distance. Estimated round trip cost:
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About Fuel Cost Calculator
What is a Fuel Cost Calculator?
A fuel cost calculator helps you estimate how much money you'll spend on gasoline or diesel for a trip. By inputting your trip distance, vehicle's fuel efficiency (MPG or L/100km), and current fuel price, you can plan your budget and compare costs between different vehicles or routes.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter Trip Distance: Input the total miles or kilometers you plan to travel
- Set Fuel Efficiency: Enter your vehicle's MPG (miles per gallon) or L/100km
- Input Fuel Price: Enter the current price per gallon or liter
- Select Units: Choose between Imperial (US) or Metric units
- Review Results: See your estimated fuel cost, gallons needed, and cost per mile
Understanding Your Results
Total Fuel Cost
The estimated amount you'll spend on fuel for your entire trip.
Fuel Needed
The total gallons or liters of fuel required to complete your journey.
Cost Per Mile/Kilometer
Shows how much you're spending on fuel for each mile or kilometer traveled - useful for comparing vehicle efficiency.
The Formula Behind the Calculation
Imperial (US) Formula:
Fuel Cost = (Distance ÷ MPG) × Fuel Price
Gallons Needed = Distance ÷ MPG
Cost Per Mile = Fuel Price ÷ MPG
Metric Formula:
Fuel Cost = (Distance × L/100km ÷ 100) × Fuel Price
Liters Needed = Distance × L/100km ÷ 100
Cost Per Kilometer = (L/100km × Fuel Price) ÷ 100
Average Fuel Efficiency by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Average MPG | Average L/100km |
|---|---|---|
| Compact Car | 30-35 MPG | 6.7-7.8 L/100km |
| Sedan | 25-30 MPG | 7.8-9.4 L/100km |
| SUV | 20-25 MPG | 9.4-11.8 L/100km |
| Pickup Truck | 15-20 MPG | 11.8-15.7 L/100km |
| Hybrid | 40-55 MPG | 4.3-5.9 L/100km |
| Electric (MPGe) | 100+ MPGe | N/A |
Tips to Improve Fuel Efficiency
Driving Habits
- Maintain steady speeds and avoid rapid acceleration
- Use cruise control on highways
- Reduce idling time
- Drive within speed limits (55-65 mph is optimal)
Vehicle Maintenance
- Keep tires properly inflated
- Regular oil changes and tune-ups
- Replace air filters as recommended
- Remove excess weight from your vehicle
Trip Planning
- Combine errands into one trip
- Use apps to find the cheapest gas prices
- Consider alternative routes with less traffic
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator provides estimates based on the values you enter. Actual fuel consumption may vary based on driving conditions, traffic, weather, terrain, and driving style.
What is considered good fuel efficiency?
For gasoline vehicles, 30+ MPG is considered good fuel efficiency. Hybrids typically achieve 40-55 MPG, while electric vehicles can exceed 100 MPGe.
How do I find my vehicle's MPG?
Check your owner's manual, the sticker on the driver's door jamb, or visit fueleconomy.gov to find your vehicle's EPA-estimated fuel economy.
Does highway vs city driving affect fuel costs?
Yes, significantly. Highway driving is typically 20-30% more fuel-efficient than city driving due to constant speeds and less stopping.
How much can I save by improving my MPG?
Improving fuel efficiency by just 5 MPG (from 25 to 30 MPG) can save about $500-$800 per year for average drivers (15,000 miles/year at $3.50/gallon).
Important Considerations
- Fuel prices vary by location and change frequently
- Actual mileage may differ from EPA estimates by 10-20%
- Mountain driving, heavy loads, and towing reduce fuel efficiency
- Air conditioning and extreme temperatures affect fuel consumption
Tip: Calculate fuel costs for both regular and premium fuel to see if premium is worth the extra cost for your vehicle.
Quick Fuel Saving Tips
🚗 Drive Smoothly
Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking to improve fuel economy by up to 33%.
⛽ Shop Smart
Use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest fuel prices in your area.
🛞 Check Tires
Properly inflated tires can improve fuel efficiency by up to 3%.
🏎️ Reduce Speed
Each 5 mph over 50 mph is like paying an extra $0.20 per gallon for gas.
Note: This calculator provides estimates based on average driving conditions. Actual fuel consumption may vary based on traffic, terrain, weather, driving style, and vehicle condition.