How is fuel cost calculated?

Fuel Cost = (Distance ÷ MPG) × Price per Gallon. For metric: (Distance ÷ km/L) × Price per Liter. For example, 100 miles ÷ 25 MPG × $3.50/gal = $14.00.

What is a good fuel efficiency?

25-30 MPG is average for cars. Hybrids get 40-60+ MPG. SUVs/trucks typically get 15-25 MPG. Electric vehicles have different efficiency metrics.

How do I find my vehicle's MPG?

Check your vehicle's specifications, use the MPG calculator on this site, or track fuel consumption over time. Real-world MPG may differ from EPA estimates.

Can I use this for trip planning?

Yes, enter your trip distance, vehicle's fuel efficiency, and current fuel price. The calculator shows fuel needed and total cost for the trip.

What's the difference between MPG and km/L?

MPG (miles per gallon) is US standard. km/L (kilometers per liter) is metric. 1 MPG ??0.425 km/L. The calculator supports both units.

How can I reduce fuel costs?

Drive efficiently (smooth acceleration, maintain speed), reduce idling, keep tires inflated, remove excess weight, and consider fuel-efficient vehicles or alternative transportation.

Fuel Cost Calculator

Calculate fuel costs for trips. Enter the distance, fuel efficiency (MPG or km/L), and fuel price to automatically calculate fuel needed and total cost in US or metric units.

Calculator

Result

Fuel Needed: 0.00 gallons
Total Cost: $0.00

Formula & Guide

Formula

US

US Units

Cost = (Distance ÷ MPG) × Price/Gallon

Distance in miles, efficiency in MPG

M

Metric Units

Cost = (Distance ÷ km/L) × Price/Liter

Distance in km, efficiency in km/L

Formula Variables

D

Distance

Trip distance in miles (US) or kilometers (metric)

E

Efficiency

Fuel efficiency in MPG (US) or km/L (metric)

P

Price

Fuel price per gallon (US) or per liter (metric)

F

Fuel Needed

Amount of fuel required (Distance ÷ Efficiency)

C

Cost

Total fuel cost (Fuel Needed × Price)

Step-by-Step Scenario

Example Scenario

Distance

200 miles

MPG

25

Price

$3.50/gallon

1

Calculate Fuel Needed

Fuel = 200 ÷ 25 = 8 gallons

Divide distance by fuel efficiency

2

Calculate Total Cost

Cost = 8 × $3.50

Total Cost = $28.00

Additional Examples

Short Trip

Distance: 50 miles

MPG: 30

Price: $3.50/gal

Cost

$5.83

Long Trip

Distance: 500 miles

MPG: 20

Price: $4.00/gal

Cost

$100.00

Characteristics of Fuel Cost Calculation

Dual Unit Systems

Supports both US (miles, gallons, MPG) and metric (km, liters, km/L) units. Switch between systems easily.

Trip Planning

Perfect for trip planning. Enter distance, fuel efficiency, and price to calculate total fuel cost before you travel.

Real-Time Calculation

Calculate fuel cost instantly. Shows fuel needed and total cost. Essential for budget planning.

Cost Comparison

Compare fuel costs for different vehicles or routes. Helps make informed decisions about transportation.

Important Notes

Fuel cost = (Distance ÷ MPG) × Price per Gallon (US) or (Distance ÷ km/L) × Price per Liter (metric).
Fuel efficiency: 25-30 MPG is average for cars. Hybrids get 40-60+ MPG. SUVs/trucks typically get 15-25 MPG.
Find your vehicle's MPG in specifications or use the MPG calculator. Real-world MPG may differ from EPA estimates.
To reduce fuel costs: Drive efficiently (smooth acceleration), reduce idling, keep tires inflated, remove excess weight.
Fuel prices vary by location and time. Check current prices before calculating. Prices can change daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about fuel cost calculation.