Fuel Cost Calculator
Estimate your trip fuel cost in seconds. Enter your distance, vehicle fuel economy, and current gas price to see total gallons needed, total cost, and cost per mile — with support for one-way and round-trip calculations.
Trip Details
Trip Fuel Cost Breakdown
Common MPG by Vehicle Type
Average combined fuel economy for common vehicle categories. Use these as a starting point if you don't know your vehicle's MPG.
| Vehicle Type | Avg MPG | Cost / 100 mi |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate the fuel cost for a trip?
Divide your trip distance by your vehicle's miles per gallon (MPG) to get the gallons of fuel needed, then multiply by the price per gallon. The formula is: Fuel Cost = (Distance ÷ MPG) × Price Per Gallon. For example, a 300-mile trip in a vehicle that gets 25 MPG with gas at $3.50/gallon: 300 ÷ 25 = 12 gallons × $3.50 = $42.00. For a round trip, simply double the distance before calculating.
What is the average MPG for different vehicle types?
Average combined fuel economy varies widely by vehicle category. Compact cars typically get 32–38 MPG, midsize sedans 28–34 MPG, crossover SUVs 25–30 MPG, full-size SUVs 18–23 MPG, full-size pickups 16–22 MPG, hybrids 45–55 MPG, and minivans 22–28 MPG. Your actual fuel economy depends on driving conditions (city vs. highway), maintenance, driving habits, and vehicle age. Check your owner's manual or fueleconomy.gov for your specific vehicle's EPA rating.
How can I improve my vehicle's fuel economy?
Several proven strategies can improve your MPG: Maintain proper tire pressure — underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and can reduce MPG by 3%. Keep up with engine maintenance — replace air filters, spark plugs, and use the correct motor oil grade. Drive smoothly — avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, which can lower highway MPG by up to 33%. Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a steady speed. Reduce excess weight — every 100 lbs reduces MPG by about 1%. Clean your fuel system — dirty injectors can reduce efficiency by 4–10%.
Does driving speed affect fuel cost?
Yes, significantly. Most vehicles reach optimal fuel efficiency between 45–65 mph. Above 50 mph, aerodynamic drag increases rapidly with speed — every 5 mph over 50 is roughly equivalent to paying an additional $0.20–$0.30 per gallon. At 75 mph, fuel economy can be 15–25% worse than at 55 mph. The Department of Energy estimates that sensible driving (obeying speed limits, avoiding rapid acceleration) can improve fuel economy by 15–30% on the highway and 10–40% in stop-and-go traffic.
How do I convert between MPG and L/100km?
To convert MPG to L/100km: divide 235.215 by the MPG value. For example, 30 MPG = 235.215 ÷ 30 = 7.84 L/100km. To convert L/100km to MPG: divide 235.215 by the L/100km value. Note the inverse relationship — higher MPG means better efficiency, while higher L/100km means worse efficiency. This calculator supports both unit systems with the toggle at the top.
What is cost per mile and why does it matter?
Cost per mile (or cost per kilometer) tells you exactly how much you spend on fuel for every mile you drive. It's calculated as: Fuel Price ÷ MPG. For example, at $3.50/gallon with 25 MPG, your cost per mile is $3.50 ÷ 25 = $0.14/mile. This metric is useful for comparing the true running cost of different vehicles, budgeting for commutes, calculating delivery costs, and deciding whether a more fuel-efficient vehicle would save you money over time.