Fuel Cost Calculator
Calculate trip fuel cost and gas mileage. Find cost per mile and compare fuel efficiency between vehicles.
⛽ Everyday📐 Fuel Cost = (Distance / MPG) × Gas Price
Trip distance (miles)
Fuel economy (MPG)
Gas price ($/gallon)
Please enter valid values.
Formula & Reference
| Variable | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Cost Calculator | Fuel Cost = (Distance / MPG) × Gas Price | $ total |
Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1
Daily Commute
30 miles round trip, 28 MPG, $3.50/gal.
- Gallons: 1.07 | Daily cost: $3.75
- Monthly (22 workdays): $82.50
✓ $3.75/day
Example 2
Road Trip
300 miles, 32 MPG, $3.60/gal.
- Gallons: 9.375 | Cost: $33.75
✓ $33.75
Example 3
Truck vs Hybrid
300 miles: 18 MPG truck vs 45 MPG hybrid at $3.50.
- Truck: $58.33 | Hybrid: $23.33
- Save $35/trip with hybrid!
✓ Save $35/trip with hybrid
Real-World Applications
Drivers
Calculate fuel costs for any trip or commute.
Road Trippers
Budget fuel costs before a long drive.
Commuters
Track monthly fuel spending.
Fleet Managers
Calculate operating costs per vehicle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️
Using EPA highway MPG only
Real-world MPG is 15-20% lower than EPA estimates due to traffic, AC, hills, and driving style. Use actual MPG from your last fill-up.
⚠️
Not including return trip
For round trips, double the one-way distance. A 150-mile destination = 300-mile round trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to improve fuel economy? ▾
Keep tires properly inflated, remove roof racks when not in use, maintain steady highway speeds, avoid rapid acceleration. Each 5 MPH over 50 reduces efficiency by ~7%.
Gas vs hybrid vs EV cost? ▾
At $3.50/gal and 28 MPG: $0.125/mile. A hybrid at 50 MPG: $0.07/mile. EV at 3.5 mi/kWh and $0.14/kWh: $0.04/mile. EVs are cheapest per mile in most areas.
What is my MPG? ▾
Fill up completely, reset trip odometer, drive until nearly empty, fill up again. Divide miles driven by gallons needed for accurate MPG.