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Fuel Cost Calculator

Calculate fuel cost for any trip. Enter distance, fuel efficiency (MPG or L/100km), and fuel price for instant cost.

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⛽Fuel Cost Calculator

How to Calculate Fuel Cost for Any Trip

Fuel cost calculation is straightforward: Fuel needed = Distance / Fuel efficiency, then Cost = Fuel needed × Price per unit.

In MPG (US): Fuel (gallons) = Miles / MPG. Example: 500 mile trip at 30 MPG at $3.50/gallon → 500/30 = 16.67 gallons × $3.50 = $58.33.

In L/100km (metric): Fuel (liters) = Distance(km) × L/100km / 100. Example: 500 km trip at 8 L/100km at $1.50/liter → 500 × 8/100 = 40 liters × $1.50 = $60.00.

To convert: 1 MPG ≈ 235.21 / L/100km. So 30 MPG ≈ 235.21/30 = 7.84 L/100km. Fuel efficiency affects trip cost significantly — improving from 20 MPG to 30 MPG saves 33% on fuel costs for the same trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average gas mileage (MPG) for cars?+
In the US (2025), new cars average about 28–35 MPG combined. SUVs average 22–28 MPG; trucks 18–24 MPG; hybrid vehicles 45–55 MPG; plug-in hybrids 40–60 MPG equivalent. Older vehicles typically achieve lower figures.
How do I improve my fuel economy?+
Maintain steady speeds (highway is more efficient than stop-and-go city driving), keep tires properly inflated (+3.3% fuel economy per 10 PSI), remove excess weight, avoid hard acceleration and braking, use cruise control on highways, and ensure regular maintenance (clean air filter, fresh oil).
What is the difference between MPG and L/100km?+
MPG (miles per gallon) — higher is more efficient. L/100km (liters per 100 kilometers) — lower is more efficient. These are inverse relationships. To convert: L/100km = 235.21 / MPG. A car rated 30 MPG = 7.84 L/100km.
How do I calculate annual fuel cost?+
Estimate your annual mileage (US average is about 15,000 miles/year), divide by MPG to get gallons, then multiply by current gas price. Example: 15,000 miles ÷ 28 MPG × $3.60/gallon ≈ $1,929/year in fuel.

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Estimating Trip Fuel Costs

Fuel cost = distance ÷ fuel economy × price per unit. Keep units consistent: miles with mpg and price per gallon, or kilometres with L/100 km and price per litre (cost = distance × consumption / 100 × price).

Worked example

A 640 km road trip in a car using 7.2 L/100 km with fuel at €1.75/L: 640 × 7.2 / 100 = 46.1 L, costing about €80.60. Splitting among three passengers is roughly €26.90 each.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my real consumption differ from the sticker figure? Official ratings come from standardized tests; highway speed, load, weather, tire pressure and traffic typically add 10–20%.

How can I cut fuel costs? Smooth acceleration, moderate highway speeds, correct tire pressure and removing roof racks measurably lower consumption; combining errands avoids cold-start inefficiency.