Fuel Cost Calculator
Estimate the fuel cost of a trip from distance, economy and price.
Estimate only. Real consumption varies with speed, load, terrain, traffic and driving style.
How the estimate works
In US units, the fuel used is the distance divided by miles-per-gallon, multiplied by the price per gallon. In metric units, economy is expressed as litres per 100 km, so the fuel used is distance ÷ 100 × L/100km, multiplied by the price per litre.
| US | Cost = (distance ÷ mpg) × price per gallon |
|---|---|
| Metric | Cost = (distance ÷ 100 × L/100km) × price per litre |
A lower L/100km figure is more efficient, whereas a higher mpg is more efficient — the two scales run in opposite directions.
A 300-mile trip in a car doing 30 mpg uses 10 gallons of fuel. At $3.50 a gallon that is $35 for the trip, or about 11.7 cents per mile.
What actually drives the cost of a trip
Three things set your fuel bill: how far you travel, how efficiently your vehicle uses fuel, and the price at the pump. Of these, efficiency is the one you can influence day to day — and real-world economy is often well below the official figure.
Stretch each tank further
- Ease off. Smooth, moderate speeds use far less fuel than hard acceleration and high motorway speeds.
- Lighten the load. Extra weight and roof racks raise consumption.
- Keep tyres inflated. Under-inflation quietly costs both fuel and tyre life.
- Combine errands. A warm engine is more efficient, so one longer trip beats several cold starts.