Fuel Cost Calculator Trip Expenses
Fuel Cost Calculator
Trip Fuel Cost Estimator
Trip Cost Breakdown
Fuel Needed
0.00 L
Total Cost
$0.00
Cost per km
$0.00
Cost per mile
$0.00
Fuel Efficiency Comparison
The fuel cost calculator tells you exactly how much a road trip will cost in fuel, or your monthly and annual fuel spending based on your vehicle's fuel efficiency and local gas prices. Compare different vehicles or routes based on total fuel cost, and see how gas price changes affect your budget.
Fuel Cost Formula
Fuel cost is straightforward: total miles divided by fuel efficiency (MPG) gives gallons used. Multiply by price per gallon for the total cost.
Gallons Used = Distance (miles) / MPG Fuel Cost = Gallons Used × Price per Gallon For metric: Liters Used = Distance (km) / (100 / L/100km) Fuel Cost = Liters Used × Price per Liter
Example: 350 mile trip in a 28 MPG car at $3.50/gallon. Gallons = 350/28 = 12.5. Cost = 12.5 × $3.50 = $43.75.
Annual Fuel Cost Comparison
Fuel efficiency differences have a larger annual impact than most drivers realize. Over 15,000 miles per year, the difference between a 25 MPG and 35 MPG vehicle at $3.50/gallon is over $600 per year. Over 5 years of ownership, that is $3,000+ in fuel savings.
| MPG | Gallons/Year (15k mi) | Annual Cost at $3.50/gal |
|---|---|---|
| 20 MPG | 750 gal | $2,625 |
| 25 MPG | 600 gal | $2,100 |
| 30 MPG | 500 gal | $1,750 |
| 35 MPG | 428 gal | $1,500 |
| 40 MPG | 375 gal | $1,313 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my car's actual MPG?⌄
Fill up completely, reset the trip odometer, drive until you need gas again, fill up completely, and divide the miles driven by the gallons needed to fill up. This gives real-world MPG, which is typically 10-20% lower than the EPA window sticker estimate, especially in city driving.
How do I compare the fuel cost of an electric car vs gas?⌄
For an electric vehicle, cost per mile = electricity cost per kWh × energy consumption (kWh per mile). A typical EV uses 0.25-0.35 kWh/mile. At $0.15/kWh, that is $0.04-0.05 per mile. A 30 MPG gas car at $3.50/gallon costs about $0.12 per mile. EVs are typically 50-70% cheaper per mile to fuel.
Does highway vs city driving significantly affect fuel costs?⌄
Yes. Most gasoline vehicles get substantially better MPG on the highway than in stop-and-go city driving. EPA ratings show separate city and highway estimates for this reason. A car rated 25 city/35 highway MPG will cost significantly more to drive in a city. Hybrids are an exception -- they often get equal or better mileage in city driving due to regenerative braking.
How much does fuel cost affect the total cost of owning a car?⌄
For a typical driver doing 15,000 miles/year, fuel is often the second largest vehicle expense after depreciation, exceeding insurance and maintenance. Over a 5-year ownership period, fuel can cost $8,000-$15,000+. Fuel efficiency is a more significant long-term cost factor than many buyers realize when focusing on monthly payment.