Trip fuel cost is distance divided by fuel economy (how far you go per gallon or how many liters per 100 km), multiplied by the pump price—this tool handles MPG or L/100km and optional round-trip doubling.
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Fuel cost = (distance ÷ fuel economy) × fuel price. For MPG: gallons = miles ÷ MPG, then multiply by price per gallon. For L/100km: liters = km × (L/100km ÷ 100), then multiply by price per liter.
Fuel cost estimates are based on your inputs and constant fuel efficiency. Actual costs vary by driving style, speed, traffic, AC use, vehicle condition, and live fuel prices — check current pump prices before long trips.
Trip fuel cost is determined by three values: distance, fuel efficiency (how far your vehicle travels per unit of fuel), and the current fuel price.
**US / imperial (MPG)**:
1. Gallons needed = miles ÷ MPG
2. Cost = gallons needed × price per gallon
Example: 300 miles at 30 MPG with fuel at $3.50/gallon → 300 ÷ 30 = 10 gallons × $3.50 = $35.00
**Metric (L/100km)**:
1. Liters needed = distance (km) × (L/100km ÷ 100)
2. Cost = liters needed × price per liter
Example: 500 km at 7.5 L/100km with fuel at $1.80/L → 500 × (7.5 ÷ 100) = 37.5 L × $1.80 = $67.50
For a round trip, double the distance before applying the formula. Some calculators also let you add a buffer (5–10%) for city traffic, detours, or AC use.
Choose MPG (miles per gallon, US imperial) or L/100km (metric). The calculator uses the correct formula for each unit — do not mix units.
Type the one-way distance in miles (for MPG) or kilometers (for L/100km). For a round trip, enable the round-trip option — the calculator will double the distance automatically.
Enter your vehicle's fuel economy. Check your car's display, window sticker, or look up your model's combined EPA rating. City driving typically delivers 10–20% fewer MPG than highway estimates.
Use the current pump price in your area — per gallon for MPG mode, per liter for L/100km mode. Check GasBuddy, GasPrices.com, or your country's fuel price tracker for current rates.
The results show total fuel volume needed, total cost, and cost per mile or per km. Use the optional buffer field to add 5–10% for city traffic, hills, or AC.
Input
Distance: 250 miles each way (round trip: 500 miles) · 28 MPG · $3.45/gallonOutput
Fuel needed: 17.9 gallons · Total cost: $61.63500 miles ÷ 28 MPG = 17.86 gallons × $3.45 = $61.60. Add a 10% buffer for hills and traffic: ~$67.80 budgeted.
Input
Distance: 800 km one way · 6.5 L/100km · €1.75/literOutput
Fuel needed: 52 liters · Total cost: €91.00800 km × (6.5 ÷ 100) = 52 liters × €1.75 = €91.00 one way. The metric formula is: liters = km × L/100km ÷ 100.
Common real-world scenarios where this tool saves time.
Estimate fuel costs before a long road trip to budget accurately and compare the cost of driving versus flying or renting a more fuel-efficient car.
Calculate the monthly fuel spend for your commute — multiply the one-way cost by working days to see annual commuting expenses and compare to public transport.
Run the same trip through a 25 MPG SUV and a 40 MPG hybrid to see the annual fuel savings of a more efficient car at your typical mileage.
Estimate fuel costs per route for small business deliveries or fleet management, factoring in diesel price vs. petrol differentials.
Step-by-step chains that connect related tools for common tasks.
Estimate total fuel cost, then add accommodation and meals for a full trip budget.
Compare the real-world running cost of two vehicles at your annual mileage.
Typical EPA combined fuel economy for common vehicle classes.
| Vehicle type | Typical MPG (combined) | Equivalent L/100km |
|---|---|---|
| Compact sedan | 30–38 MPG | 6.2–7.8 L/100km |
| Midsize sedan | 26–32 MPG | 7.4–9.1 L/100km |
| SUV (standard) | 20–28 MPG | 8.4–11.8 L/100km |
| Truck / pickup | 17–23 MPG | 10.2–13.8 L/100km |
| Hybrid sedan | 40–58 MPG | 4.1–5.9 L/100km |
| Plug-in hybrid | 30–45 MPG (gas mode) | 5.2–7.8 L/100km |
Look up your exact model at fueleconomy.gov for accurate figures — trim level and drivetrain significantly affect real-world efficiency.
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Divide your trip distance by your vehicle's fuel efficiency (MPG or km/L) to get gallons or liters needed, then multiply by the current pump price. Example: 400 miles ÷ 32 MPG = 12.5 gallons × $3.60 = $45.00 one way. Enable round trip to double the distance automatically.
MPG (miles per gallon) measures how far you travel per unit of fuel — higher is better. L/100km (liters per 100 kilometers) measures how much fuel you use per unit of distance — lower is better. To convert: L/100km = 235.21 ÷ MPG. For example, 30 MPG ≈ 7.84 L/100km.
Fuel economy varies by driving style, speed, load, tire pressure, AC use, and road conditions. EPA/official ratings are measured on standardized test cycles. City driving typically reduces efficiency by 15–25% versus highway. Heavy traffic, hills, cold weather, and loaded cargo all reduce MPG. Add a 5–10% buffer to compensate.
Check your car's trip computer (most modern vehicles display instantaneous and average MPG), the original window sticker, or look up your make, model, and year at fueleconomy.gov (US) or the equivalent in your country. The combined (city/highway mix) EPA rating is a reasonable estimate for mixed driving.
Yes — the formula is identical. Enter your diesel fuel price per gallon or liter, your vehicle's diesel MPG or L/100km, and the distance. The tool works for any fuel type as long as you use the correct efficiency and current pump price for that fuel.
At average US values in 2026 (~$3.50/gallon, ~30 MPG): 500 ÷ 30 = 16.7 gallons × $3.50 = $58.30 one way ($116.60 round trip). At 25 MPG: $70 one way. The cost is highly sensitive to fuel efficiency — improving from 20 to 30 MPG reduces fuel cost by 33%.
This calculator is designed for liquid fuel (gasoline and diesel) using MPG or L/100km. For EVs, you would use kWh/100km or MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) and cost per kWh — the math is the same structure but requires different inputs. Use a dedicated EV range and cost calculator for electricity-based estimates.
All fuel cost calculations run in your browser — distance and price inputs are not uploaded to EverydayTools servers.
Estimates only — actual fuel costs vary by driving conditions, speed, load, climate, and vehicle condition. Financial results are estimates for planning only — not tax, legal, or investment advice. Verify with your employer, institution, or a qualified professional.
More free tools for the same workflow.
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Reviewed by EverydayTools Editorial Team on 2026-06-08.
One-way distance. Use round trip below for return journey.
Typical car: 25–35 MPG. Economy: 40+.
Check local stations or national averages. Enter price per gallon.
Optional. Add a percentage to fuel use for traffic and driving conditions.
Double the distance for there and back.
Enter distance, efficiency, and fuel price to see trip fuel use and cost.