Fuel Cost Calculator

Calculate your total fuel cost and cost per mile for any journey.

Calculator

Enter Your Journey Details

Enter the total distance of your journey in miles.

Enter the current price of fuel per gallon.

Enter your vehicle's fuel efficiency in miles per gallon.

Table of Contents

1 Fuel Cost Formula
2 How to Calculate Fuel Cost
3 Understanding Fuel Efficiency
4 Practical Examples
Concept

Fuel Cost Formula

The fuel cost calculation is based on three main factors: distance traveled, fuel price, and vehicle fuel efficiency (MPG).

Formula:
Total Cost = (Distance / MPG) × Fuel Price
Cost per Mile = Total Cost / Distance
Steps

How to Calculate Fuel Cost

To calculate your fuel cost, follow these steps:

  1. 1
    Determine your journey distance in miles
  2. 2
    Find out the current fuel price per gallon
  3. 3
    Know your vehicle's fuel efficiency (MPG)
  4. 4
    Calculate gallons needed (Distance / MPG)
  5. 5
    Multiply gallons by fuel price for total cost
Tips

Understanding Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency (MPG) can vary based on several factors:

  • Vehicle type and model
  • Driving conditions (city vs. highway)
  • Driving habits and speed
  • Vehicle maintenance
  • Weather conditions
Tip:
For more accurate calculations, use your vehicle's actual MPG from recent trips rather than the manufacturer's stated MPG.
Examples

Practical Examples

Example 1 City Commute

A daily commute of 20 miles with a car that gets 25 MPG and fuel at $3.50/gallon.

Gallons needed = 20 miles / 25 MPG = 0.8 gallons

Total cost = 0.8 gallons × $3.50 = $2.80

Cost per mile = $2.80 / 20 miles = $0.14

Example 2 Road Trip

A 500-mile road trip with a car that gets 30 MPG and fuel at $3.75/gallon.

Gallons needed = 500 miles / 30 MPG = 16.67 gallons

Total cost = 16.67 gallons × $3.75 = $62.51

Cost per mile = $62.51 / 500 miles = $0.125

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