Fuel Cost Calculator

Enter distance, efficiency, and price in miles per gallon, liters per 100 km, or electric units. See the fuel used and the trip cost in US dollars.

Measurement System

Distance (miles) *

Fuel Efficiency (MPG) *

Fuel Price per Gallon ($) *

Fuel Type

Round trip (double the distance)

Smart Tips

• Maintain steady speed and avoid rapid acceleration to improve fuel efficiency

• Keep tires inflated and remove cargo you are not carrying. Both change the efficiency you should enter

• Use cruise control on highways for consistent speed and better fuel economy

• Fuel prices vary by location and time; update the price field for current estimates

• Round-trip distance is twice the one-way distance; enter total miles you will drive

Fuel Cost Formulas

System	Formula
Imperial System	Cost = (Distance ÷ MPG) × Fuel Price
Metric System	Cost = (Distance ÷ 100) × (L/100km) × Fuel Price

Liquid fuel uses those two formulas. Electric uses the same shape: miles ÷ (miles per kWh), or (km ÷ 100) × (kWh/100km), times the price per kWh. A round trip doubles the distance first. Gasoline, diesel, and hybrid do not change the arithmetic. Switching units converts distance, efficiency, and, for liquid fuel, the price per gallon or liter. Money is US dollars in both systems.

Key Insights

Cost Percentage

This estimate is fuel only. Insurance, maintenance, and depreciation are not included

City vs Highway

Stop-and-go driving usually uses more fuel than a steady highway speed. Enter the efficiency that matches the trip

Maintenance Impact

A poorly maintained engine can use more fuel than the same vehicle in good condition. Enter the efficiency you actually get

Price Fluctuation

Fuel prices fluctuate daily - check prices before long trips

Frequently Asked Questions

Imperial liquid fuel: gallons = miles ÷ MPG, cost = gallons × price per gallon. Metric liquid fuel: liters = (km ÷ 100) × L/100km, cost = liters × price per liter. Electric uses miles per kWh or kWh/100km and a price per kWh, and the result is kilowatt-hours. A round trip doubles the distance first. Switching the unit control converts the numbers already typed. The cost is in US dollars.

Speed, traffic, tire pressure, cargo, air conditioning, hills, and driving style all change how much fuel you use. This calculator does not apply those factors. It uses the efficiency you type. Official U.S. vehicle ratings are published by the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA at fueleconomy.gov.

The result is an estimate from the distance, efficiency, and price you enter. Real use can differ because of traffic, weather, load, and driving style, and the price at the pump can differ from the price you typed. Use your own MPG, L/100km, or kWh figure rather than a default for the fuel type. The fuel type does not supply an efficiency.

Drive at steady, moderate speeds; avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure, remove roof racks and heavy cargo when not needed, and use cruise control on highways where safe. Plan routes to avoid heavy traffic and unnecessary idling. Regular maintenance (air filter, oil, spark plugs) helps the engine run efficiently. Small habits add up and can noticeably improve MPG or L/100 km over time.

Stop-and-go driving usually uses more fuel than a steady highway speed. Ratings on fueleconomy.gov often list city and highway figures separately. For a trip estimate, enter the efficiency that matches the trip. This calculator does not pick a city or highway factor for you.

Imperial liquid fuel uses miles, miles per US gallon, and dollars per gallon: fuel = distance ÷ MPG. Metric liquid fuel uses kilometers, liters per 100 km, and dollars per liter: fuel = (distance ÷ 100) × L/100km. Electric uses the same shapes with miles per kWh or kWh/100km and dollars per kWh. Switching units converts the typed numbers. A round trip doubles distance first. You enter the price. No fuel-price feed is used. Source: U.S. DOE/EPA fueleconomy.gov: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/.

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Total Cost

Enter values to calculate

Fuel Required

Cost per mile

Note: Fuel cost calculations are estimates based on current fuel prices and vehicle efficiency. Actual fuel costs may vary. Always verify current fuel prices.