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Fuel Cost Calculator

Estimate fuel cost for a trip based on distance, fuel efficiency, and gas price. Supports miles, kilometers, mpg, km/L, and L/100km.

$

Estimated Fuel Cost

$60.00

Fuel Used

20 gallons

Cost per Mile

$0.12

Cost per Km

$0.07

Step-by-step:

1. Distance: 500 miles

2. Efficiency: 25 mpg

3. Fuel used: 20 gallons

4. Price: $3 per gallon

5. Total cost: 20 × $3 = $60.00

How to Calculate Fuel Cost

The formula is straightforward:

Fuel Cost = (Distance ÷ Fuel Efficiency) × Fuel Price

For a 500-mile trip at 25 mpg with gas at $3/gallon: 500 ÷ 25 = 20 gallons × $3 = $60.

Unit Support

  • Distance: miles or kilometers
  • Efficiency: miles per gallon (mpg), kilometers per liter (km/L), or liters per 100 km (L/100km)
  • Fuel price: per gallon or per liter

Average Fuel Efficiency by Vehicle Type

  • Compact car: 28–35 mpg
  • Midsize sedan: 25–32 mpg
  • SUV: 20–28 mpg
  • Pickup truck: 15–22 mpg
  • Hybrid: 40–60 mpg
  • Electric (equivalent): 100+ mpge

Tips to Save on Fuel

  • Drive steadily: Aggressive acceleration and braking can reduce efficiency by 15–30%
  • Check tire pressure: Underinflated tires increase fuel consumption by 2–3%
  • Reduce speed: Each 5 mph over 50 mph costs roughly $0.15–$0.30 more per gallon
  • Minimize idling: Idling uses ¼ to ½ gallon per hour
  • Use cruise control: Maintains steady speed on highways, improving efficiency
  • Plan routes: Avoid traffic, combine errands, and use highway routes when possible

Fuel Efficiency Conversions

  • 1 mpg = 0.4251 km/L
  • 1 km/L = 2.352 mpg
  • To convert mpg to L/100km: 235.215 ÷ mpg
  • 25 mpg = 10.6 km/L = 9.4 L/100km

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is fuel cost calculated?

Divide the trip distance by fuel efficiency to get gallons (or liters) needed, then multiply by the fuel price. For example: 500 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 20 gallons × $3/gallon = $60.

What is a good fuel efficiency?

The US average is about 25 mpg. Hybrids get 40-60 mpg, EVs equivalent to 100+ mpge, and trucks/SUVs typically get 15-22 mpg.

How do I convert mpg to km/L?

Multiply mpg by 0.4251. For example, 25 mpg ≈ 10.6 km/L.

What does L/100km mean?

Liters per 100 kilometers — the metric fuel efficiency standard. Lower is better. 8 L/100km ≈ 29 mpg.

How can I reduce fuel costs?

Maintain steady speeds, keep tires inflated, reduce idling, remove excess weight, use cruise control on highways, and plan efficient routes.