Fuel Cost Calculator
Calculate the total fuel cost for your trip based on distance, vehicle fuel efficiency, and current fuel prices. See also Electricity Cost Calculator and Mileage Calculator.
How the Fuel Cost Calculator Works
The fuel cost calculator estimates how much fuel you will need for a trip and the total cost based on your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current fuel prices. It works for both imperial (miles/gallons) and metric (kilometers/liters) units. Simply enter your trip distance, your vehicle's fuel economy rating, and the price you pay per gallon or liter of fuel.
Fuel Cost Formula
Fuel Needed = Trip Distance / Fuel Efficiency (MPG or km/L)
Total Cost = Fuel Needed x Price per Gallon (or Liter)
Cost per Mile = Total Cost / Trip Distance
Example Calculation
Trip Distance: 500 miles
Vehicle Efficiency: 28 MPG
Fuel Price: $3.50/gallon
Fuel Needed: 500 / 28 = 17.86 gallons
Total Cost: 17.86 x $3.50 = $62.50
How to Calculate Fuel Cost for a Trip
- Determine the total distance of your trip in miles or kilometers.
- Find your vehicle's fuel efficiency rating (check the owner's manual or fueleconomy.gov).
- Look up the current fuel price at local gas stations or use the national average.
- Divide the distance by your MPG to get gallons needed.
- Multiply gallons needed by the price per gallon for total cost.
- If making a round trip, double the distance before calculating.
Average Fuel Costs by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Avg MPG | Cost per 100 miles | Annual Cost (15k mi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact Car | 35 | $10.00 | $1,500 |
| Midsize Sedan | 30 | $11.67 | $1,750 |
| Full-size Sedan | 27 | $12.96 | $1,944 |
| Small SUV | 28 | $12.50 | $1,875 |
| Large SUV | 20 | $17.50 | $2,625 |
| Pickup Truck | 22 | $15.91 | $2,386 |
| Minivan | 24 | $14.58 | $2,188 |
| Hybrid | 50 | $7.00 | $1,050 |
| Sports Car | 22 | $15.91 | $2,386 |
* Based on $3.50/gallon average fuel price. Actual costs vary by location and driving conditions.
Tips to Save on Fuel Costs
- Maintain proper tire pressure to improve fuel efficiency by 3-4%.
- Remove excess weight from your vehicle — every 100 lbs reduces MPG by about 1%.
- Use cruise control on highways to maintain consistent speed.
- Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking.
- Plan routes to avoid traffic congestion and minimize idling.
- Keep up with regular maintenance (air filters, spark plugs, oil changes).
- Use fuel price comparison apps to find the cheapest stations nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my vehicle's MPG?
Check your vehicle's owner's manual, the sticker on the driver's side door jamb, or visit fueleconomy.gov. You can also calculate it by dividing miles driven by gallons used at your next fill-up.
What is the difference between city and highway MPG?
City MPG is typically 20-30% lower than highway MPG due to frequent stops, idling, and acceleration. Highway driving allows more consistent speeds which improves fuel efficiency.
How do I convert MPG to km/L?
Multiply MPG by 0.425144 to get km/L. For example, 28 MPG equals approximately 11.9 km/L.
Does driving speed affect fuel cost?
Yes. Fuel efficiency typically drops significantly above 50 mph. Each 5 mph over 50 is roughly equivalent to paying an additional $0.20-$0.30 per gallon for gas.
How much does AC affect fuel consumption?
Air conditioning can reduce fuel economy by 5-25% depending on conditions. At highway speeds, AC is more efficient than open windows due to aerodynamic drag.
Is premium gas worth the extra cost?
Only if your vehicle requires it. Using premium in a car designed for regular fuel provides no benefit. Check your owner's manual for the recommended octane level.
How accurate is this calculator?
The calculator provides a good estimate based on EPA-rated fuel efficiency. Actual costs may vary due to driving conditions, traffic, terrain, weather, and vehicle condition.