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Fuel Cost Calculator

Estimate how much fuel your trip uses and the total cost based on distance, fuel efficiency, and fuel price.

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Enter distance, mileage, and fuel price to estimate trip cost.

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How Fuel Cost Is Calculated

Fuel cost estimation uses two sequential formulas: first calculating fuel consumed, then multiplying by price per unit.

Step 1 — Fuel Used

Fuel = Distance ÷ Efficiency

Step 2 — Trip Cost

Cost = Fuel Used × Price

Example: 400 km ÷ 12 L/100km × 100 = 48 L × $1.75/L = $84.00 trip cost.

MPG vs L/100km: Which Unit to Use

MPG (miles per gallon) is used in the United States and the UK. A higher MPG means better fuel economy — a car getting 40 MPG is more efficient than one getting 25 MPG. US gallons (3.785 L) and UK imperial gallons (4.546 L) differ, so always confirm which is being quoted.

L/100km (litres per 100 kilometres) is used in Canada, Australia, Europe, and most of the rest of the world. A lower number means better efficiency. Most new passenger cars achieve 5–9 L/100km in mixed driving, while larger SUVs and trucks typically consume 10–15 L/100km.

To convert: MPG (US) = 235.21 ÷ L/100km. For example, 7 L/100km ≈ 33.6 MPG.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate fuel cost for a road trip?
Divide the trip distance by your vehicle's fuel efficiency to get fuel used, then multiply by the fuel price. For example: 300 miles ÷ 30 MPG = 10 gallons × $3.50/gal = $35.00.
How much does it cost per mile to drive?
Divide the fuel price by your vehicle's MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 30 MPG, the fuel cost per mile is $3.50 ÷ 30 = $0.117 per mile, or about 11.7 cents per mile.
How can I reduce my fuel costs?
The most effective methods are: maintaining steady highway speeds (fuel use increases sharply above 60 mph), keeping tires properly inflated, removing excess weight from the vehicle, and avoiding aggressive acceleration and hard braking.
What is the difference between MPG and L/100km?
MPG (miles per gallon) measures how far you travel per unit of fuel — higher is better. L/100km measures how much fuel you consume per 100 km — lower is better. To convert: L/100km = 235.21 ÷ MPG.
Does speed affect fuel consumption?
Yes significantly. Most vehicles achieve peak fuel efficiency between 45–60 mph (72–96 km/h). Driving at 80 mph instead of 60 mph can increase fuel consumption by 20–30%, substantially raising the cost per trip.

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