Fuel Cost Calculator

Calculate fuel costs for any trip based on distance, fuel efficiency, and fuel price. Estimate weekly commuting and annual fuel expenses.

Commute & Annual Estimates

Trip Fuel Cost

$42.00

Cost per Mile

$0.140

Fuel Used

12.00 gallons

Weekly Fuel Cost

$420.00

Annual Fuel Cost

$21000.00

Understanding Trip Fuel Costs

Fuel is one of the largest ongoing expenses of vehicle ownership. By calculating fuel costs before a trip, you can budget effectively and choose the most efficient route. The key factors are distance, your vehicle's fuel economy, and local fuel prices — all of which vary significantly. A vehicle getting 30 MPG vs 20 MPG saves roughly $500-800 per year at current fuel prices.

Fuel Economy Facts

Vehicle TypeTypical MPGAnnual Fuel Cost (12K mi)
Compact car30-40$1,050-$1,400
Midsize sedan25-35$1,200-$1,680
SUV20-28$1,500-$2,100
Truck15-22$1,900-$2,800
Hybrid45-55$760-$930
Electric (EV)3-4 mi/kWh$500-$700

How to Improve Fuel Economy

Keeping your tires properly inflated is one of the easiest ways to improve fuel economy. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes your engine work harder and can reduce MPG by 3-5%. Check your tire pressure monthly and maintain the manufacturer-recommended PSI. Removing excess weight from your trunk and roof racks when not in use also reduces drag and improves efficiency.

Your driving habits have a significant impact on fuel consumption. Rapid acceleration and hard braking can reduce fuel economy by 15-30% in city driving. Using cruise control on highways maintains steady speed and saves fuel. Regular maintenance like timely oil changes, clean air filters, and properly functioning spark plugs can improve MPG by 5-10%. Combining errands into one trip also reduces cold-engine starts, which are less efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate fuel cost for a trip?
To calculate trip fuel cost, divide the total distance by your vehicle's fuel economy (MPG or L/100km), then multiply by the fuel price per gallon or liter. For example, a 300-mile trip in a car that gets 25 MPG with gas at $3.50/gallon costs: (300 ÷ 25) × $3.50 = $42.00 in fuel.
What's the difference between MPG and L/100km?
MPG (miles per gallon) and L/100km (liters per 100 kilometers) are two different ways to measure fuel economy. MPG is commonly used in the US and UK and measures distance per volume. L/100km is used in most other countries and measures volume per distance. Higher MPG = better efficiency, but lower L/100km = better efficiency.
How can I improve my fuel economy?
You can improve fuel economy by maintaining proper tire pressure, removing excess weight, avoiding rapid acceleration and hard braking, using cruise control on highways, and keeping up with regular maintenance like oil changes and air filter replacements. Driving at 55-65 mph instead of 75 mph can improve highway MPG by 15-30%.
How do I calculate annual fuel cost?
To estimate annual fuel cost, multiply your weekly commute distance by the number of weeks you drive per year, divide by your MPG, and multiply by the average fuel price. Add estimated costs for additional trips, errands, and road trips. Most drivers spend $1,500-$3,000 annually on fuel.
What factors affect real-world fuel economy?
Real-world fuel economy can differ significantly from EPA ratings. Factors include: driving style (aggressive driving can reduce MPG by 15-30%), traffic conditions, weather (cold temperatures reduce efficiency), terrain (hills increase fuel consumption), vehicle load, tire pressure, and use of air conditioning.
How accurate is this fuel cost calculator?
This calculator provides estimates based on the inputs you provide. For the most accurate results, use your vehicle's actual observed MPG (calculated from fill-ups) rather than the EPA estimate. Note that real-world fuel economy can vary by 10-20% depending on driving conditions and habits.

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