Fuel Cost Calculator

Calculate fuel costs for trips, commutes, and vehicle expenses. Compare different vehicles, fuel types, and routes to optimize your travel budget.

Trip Details

$

Fuel Cost Results

$14.00
Total Trip Cost
One-way trip cost

Cost Breakdown

Distance
100.0 miles
Fuel Needed
4.00 gal
Fuel Price
$3.50/gal
Efficiency
25 MPG

Cost Analysis

Cost per Mile
$0.140

Environmental Impact

CO₂ Emissions: 35.5 kg
Carbon Footprint: 78.2 lbs CO₂
*Estimated based on average gasoline emissions

Vehicle Efficiency Comparison

Compact Car
32 MPG
$10.94
Save $3.06
Midsize Car
28 MPG
$12.50
Save $1.50
SUV
22 MPG
$15.91
Cost $1.91
Pickup Truck
18 MPG
$19.44
Cost $5.44
Hybrid Car
45 MPG
$7.78
Save $6.22
Electric Car
N/A (Electric) MPG
$0.00
Save $14.00

How to Use

1

Choose your calculation mode: single trip or regular commute.

2

Enter the distance you'll be traveling and select the appropriate unit.

3

Input your vehicle's fuel efficiency (check your owner's manual or EPA ratings).

4

Enter current fuel prices and select your currency for accurate cost calculations.

Understanding Fuel Costs

Fuel Efficiency Units

MPG (Miles per Gallon)

Common in the US. Higher numbers mean better efficiency.

L/100km (Liters per 100km)

Common in Europe. Lower numbers mean better efficiency.

KM/L (Kilometers per Liter)

Common in Asia. Higher numbers mean better efficiency.

Factors Affecting Fuel Costs

Vehicle Factors

  • • Engine size and type
  • • Vehicle weight and aerodynamics
  • • Transmission type
  • • Maintenance condition
  • • Tire pressure and condition

Driving Factors

  • • Driving speed and style
  • • Traffic conditions
  • • Route terrain (hills, city vs highway)
  • • Weather conditions
  • • Air conditioning usage

Cost Optimization Tips

Driving Efficiency

  • • Maintain steady speeds
  • • Avoid rapid acceleration/braking
  • • Use cruise control on highways
  • • Plan efficient routes
  • • Combine multiple trips

Vehicle Maintenance

  • • Regular oil changes
  • • Keep tires properly inflated
  • • Replace air filters
  • • Tune-up engine regularly
  • • Remove excess weight

Applications

Personal Use

  • • Trip planning and budgeting
  • • Daily commute costs
  • • Vehicle comparison
  • • Vacation travel expenses
  • • Monthly fuel budgeting

Business Use

  • • Fleet management
  • • Delivery cost calculation
  • • Employee mileage reimbursement
  • • Route optimization
  • • Transportation budgeting

Financial Planning

  • • Annual transportation costs
  • • Car purchase decisions
  • • Fuel price impact analysis
  • • Environmental cost assessment
  • • Alternative transport comparison

Example Calculations

Road Trip Example

Scenario: 500-mile road trip, round trip
Vehicle: 25 MPG efficiency
Fuel Price: $3.50 per gallon
Calculation: (1000 miles ÷ 25 MPG) × $3.50 = $140

Daily Commute Example

Scenario: 30-mile daily commute, 5 days/week
Vehicle: 30 MPG efficiency
Fuel Price: $3.25 per gallon
Weekly Cost: (150 miles ÷ 30 MPG) × $3.25 = $16.25

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate are these fuel cost calculations?

The calculations are based on the inputs you provide and use standard formulas. Actual costs may vary due to driving conditions, vehicle maintenance, weather, and driving habits. Use these as estimates for planning.

Where can I find my vehicle's fuel efficiency rating?

Check your vehicle's owner manual, the EPA fuel economy sticker, or websites like fueleconomy.gov. Your actual efficiency may differ from EPA ratings based on driving conditions and habits.

Should I use city or highway MPG ratings?

Use the rating that best matches your driving conditions. For mixed driving, the combined MPG rating is most appropriate. Highway driving typically achieves better efficiency than city driving.

How do I convert between different efficiency units?

The calculator handles conversions automatically. Generally: higher MPG = better efficiency, lower L/100km = better efficiency, higher KM/L = better efficiency.