Fuel Cost Calculator
Calculate trip costs, compare fuel efficiency, and analyze gasoline, diesel, and electric vehicle costs. Perfect for road trip planning, commuting budgets, and vehicle purchase decisions.
Trip Cost Calculator
Quick Trip Scenarios
Fuel Cost & Efficiency Guide
Understanding fuel costs helps you budget for transportation, plan trips, and make informed vehicle purchase decisions. Fuel efficiency varies significantly between vehicle types and driving conditions.
Fuel Efficiency Units
Miles per Gallon (MPG)
US standard for gasoline vehicles
Liters per 100km (L/100km)
Metric standard, lower is better
kWh per 100 miles
Electric vehicle efficiency
MPGe (Miles per Gallon Equivalent)
Standardized efficiency for all vehicle types
Typical Fuel Efficiency
| Vehicle Type | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact Car | 28-32 | 35-40 | 30-35 |
| Midsize Car | 24-28 | 32-36 | 26-30 |
| SUV | 18-24 | 24-30 | 20-26 |
| Pickup Truck | 16-20 | 22-26 | 18-22 |
| Hybrid | 45-55 | 40-50 | 45-52 |
| Electric (MPGe) | 110-130 | 100-120 | 105-125 |
Cost Calculation Formulas
- Trip Cost: (Distance ÷ MPG) × Fuel Price per Gallon
- Cost per Mile: Fuel Price ÷ MPG
- Annual Fuel Cost: (Annual Miles ÷ MPG) × Fuel Price
- MPG to L/100km: 235.2 ÷ MPG
- Electric Cost: (kWh per 100 miles ÷ 100) × Distance × Electricity Rate
Fuel Saving Tips
Driving Habits
- • Maintain steady speeds
- • Avoid rapid acceleration
- • Use cruise control
- • Plan efficient routes
Vehicle Maintenance
- • Keep tires properly inflated
- • Regular oil changes
- • Replace air filters
- • Remove excess weight
Trip Planning
- • Combine errands
- • Avoid peak traffic
- • Use fuel price apps
- • Consider carpooling
Technology
- • GPS route optimization
- • Fuel tracking apps
- • Eco-driving modes
- • Real-time traffic data
Pro Tip
When comparing vehicles, consider the total cost of ownership including fuel, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation. A more fuel-efficient vehicle may cost more upfront but save money over time.
Fuel Cost Calculator Answers
What does the fuel cost calculator do?
The fuel cost calculator estimates how much you'll spend on fuel for a trip based on distance, vehicle fuel efficiency, and current fuel price. It helps plan budgets for travel or commuting.
What information do I need to use it?
You’ll need the total trip distance, your vehicle’s fuel efficiency (e.g., miles per gallon or liters per 100 kilometers), and the average cost of fuel per unit in your area.
Can it be used for both miles and kilometers?
Yes. The calculator supports both imperial and metric units, allowing you to calculate in miles or kilometers, and use MPG or L/100km depending on your preference or location.
Is this calculator useful for budgeting?
Definitely. Whether you're planning a road trip or tracking monthly commuting expenses, this tool gives you a clear idea of expected fuel costs so you can better manage your transportation budget.