Fuel Cost Calculator

How much will this trip cost in fuel?

The fuel cost of a trip comes down to three things: how far you’re going, how efficiently your vehicle uses fuel, and how much that fuel costs. This calculator combines them into a single estimate, and shows how much fuel you’ll burn and the cost per mile (or per kilometer) along the way.

The two ways fuel economy is measured

Different countries quote fuel economy differently, so the tool supports both:

• Miles per gallon (MPG) — common in the US and UK. Higher is better. Fuel used = distance ÷ MPG.
• Liters per 100 km (L/100km) — used across most of the world. Lower is better. Fuel used = (distance ÷ 100) × L/100km.

Multiply the fuel used by the price per gallon or liter and you have your trip cost. For example, a 300-mile trip in a car doing 30 MPG uses 10 gallons; at $3.50 a gallon that’s $35.00.

Make your estimate more accurate

• Use your real-world economy, not the sticker figure — actual mileage is often 10–20% worse, especially in cold weather or city driving.
• Highway driving is usually more efficient than stop-and-go city traffic.
• For a round trip, enter the total distance there and back.
• A loaded vehicle, roof boxes, and high speeds all increase consumption.

Why “cost per mile” is useful

The per-mile (or per-km) figure lets you compare vehicles or plan a budget regardless of trip length. If your car costs about 12 cents per mile in fuel, you can quickly estimate any journey — and weigh it against the cost of driving a more efficient vehicle.

FAQ

Does this include tolls, wear, or electricity?

No — it’s fuel only. For total running cost you’d also add tolls, maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. For an electric vehicle, use the metric mode with your efficiency and electricity price in the equivalent units.

How do I figure my real-world fuel economy?

Fill the tank completely, reset your trip meter, drive normally, then refill and note the gallons or liters added. Divide miles driven by gallons used for MPG, or use the pump amount over distance for L/100km. This real figure is usually more accurate than the manufacturer's sticker.

Should I enter one-way or round-trip distance?

Enter whatever distance you'll actually drive. For a there-and-back journey, double the one-way distance, and include side trips or detours you expect to make.

Is this fuel cost calculator free to use?

Yes, it is completely free with no sign-up and no limit on how many trips you estimate.

Does it run in my browser, and does it work on mobile?

All calculations run locally in your browser, so nothing you enter is uploaded, and it works on phones, tablets, and desktops for quick estimates before a trip.