Mileage Calculator Distance and Route
Mileage Calculator
Route Selection
Trip Overview
Time: 0 minutes at 60 mph
Trip Details & Fuel Cost
Fuel Cost Estimate
Total Cost: $0.00
Trip Summary
Travel Time by Speed
Trip Cost Breakdown
Fuel Cost: $0.00
*Additional costs may include tolls, food, and accommodation
Understanding Mileage, Fuel Efficiency & Trip Planning
How Mileage Calculation Works
This calculator determines the travel distance between two cities using the Haversine formula, which calculates the great-circle distance between two points on Earth given their latitude and longitude coordinates. The formula accounts for Earth's curvature to provide accurate "as-the-crow-flies" distances.
Understanding Fuel Efficiency (MPG)
Miles Per Gallon (MPG) is a measure of how far your vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. Higher MPG means better fuel economy and lower fuel costs. Several factors affect your vehicle's fuel efficiency:
Vehicle Type
- • Large SUV/Truck: 15-20 MPG
- • Mid-size SUV: 20-25 MPG
- • Average Sedan: 25-30 MPG
- • Compact Car: 30-35 MPG
- • Hybrid: 35-50 MPG
- • Plug-in Hybrid: 50+ MPG equivalent
Factors Affecting MPG
- • Speed: 55-65 mph optimal
- • Acceleration: Smooth driving saves fuel
- • Terrain: Hills reduce efficiency
- • Weather: Wind, rain affect MPG
- • Load: Heavy cargo decreases MPG
- • Maintenance: Proper tire pressure helps
Travel Time & Speed Considerations
Travel time is calculated by dividing the distance by your average speed. However, real-world trips involve stops for fuel, food, rest breaks, and potential traffic delays.
| Driving Scenario | Typical Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| City Driving | 30-45 mph | Urban areas with traffic lights and congestion |
| Mixed Driving | 45-55 mph | Combination of city and highway driving |
| Highway Driving | 55-65 mph | Optimal for fuel efficiency and safety |
| Interstate Driving | 65-70 mph | Long-distance travel on major highways |
| High-Speed Interstate | 70-75 mph | States with 75-80 mph speed limits (lower fuel efficiency) |
Essential Trip Planning Tips
Time Management
- •Add break time: Plan for 15-minute breaks every 2-3 hours
- •Meal stops: Add 30-45 minutes for meals
- •Fuel stops: Budget 10-15 minutes per fill-up
- •Traffic buffer: Add 20-30% time for delays
Vehicle Preparation
- •Check tire pressure: Proper inflation improves MPG by 3%
- •Oil change: Fresh oil reduces engine friction
- •Remove excess weight: 100 lbs reduces MPG by 1-2%
- •Air filter: Clean filter improves acceleration
Route Planning
- •Highway vs. scenic: Highways are faster but less scenic
- •Avoid rush hour: Plan around peak traffic times
- •Check tolls: Some routes have expensive toll roads
- •Weather forecast: Check conditions along your route
Fuel Cost Optimization
- •Gas apps: Use GasBuddy or Waze for cheap gas
- •Loyalty programs: Fuel rewards can save 5-10¢/gal
- •Cruise control: Maintains speed for better MPG
- •Avoid idling: Turn off engine if stopped >30 seconds
Complete Trip Cost Breakdown
While fuel is the primary cost, a complete road trip budget should include several other expenses:
| Expense Category | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Primary Cost | Calculate using distance ÷ MPG × gas price |
| Tolls | $5-$50+ | Varies by route; some highways have expensive tolls |
| Food & Beverages | $30-$100/day | Depends on dining choices (fast food vs. restaurants) |
| Accommodation | $60-$200/night | Budget motels to mid-range hotels for multi-day trips |
| Parking | $10-$40/day | Major cities often charge for parking |
| Vehicle Wear | $0.10-$0.20/mile | Tire wear, oil changes, maintenance over time |
| Entertainment | $20-$100+/day | Attractions, activities, sightseeing along the way |
| Emergency Fund | 10-15% of budget | Buffer for unexpected expenses or repairs |
Environmental Impact & Carbon Footprint
Every gallon of gasoline burned produces approximately 19.6 pounds of CO₂. Understanding your trip's environmental impact can help you make more sustainable choices.
• Carpool when possible
• Maintain steady speeds
• Keep vehicle well-maintained
• Use cruise control
• Train travel for long distances
• Bus services (Greyhound, Megabus)
• Carpooling apps
• Electric/hybrid vehicles
• Calculate trip emissions
• Purchase carbon credits
• Support renewable energy
• Plant trees to offset impact
Quick Reference: Fuel Cost Formula
Total Fuel Cost =
(Distance ÷ MPG) × Price per Gallon
Calculation: (300 ÷ 25) × $3.50 = 12 gallons × $3.50
Total Cost: $42.00