Fuel Cost Calculator
Calculate the fuel cost for any trip. Enter your distance, fuel efficiency, and gas price to see how much you'll spend on gas.
Trip Fuel Cost
Total Cost
$35.00
for this trip
Fuel Needed
10.00 gal
37.9 L
Trip Distance
Vehicle Fuel Efficiency
Quick select by vehicle type:
Fuel Price
Current US average: ~$3.20-3.80/gallon (varies by region and grade)
Cost Breakdown
Total Fuel Cost
$35.00
Fuel Needed
10.00 gal
37.9 liters
Cost per Mile
$0.12
Cost per Kilometer
$0.07
How It's Calculated
Fuel Needed:
300 miles ÷ 30 MPG = 10.00 gallons
Total Cost:
10.00 gallons × $3.50/gallon = $35.00
Compare Different Distances
| Distance | Fuel | Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 miles | 1.7 gal | $5.83 | 15 kg |
| 100 miles | 3.3 gal | $11.67 | 30 kg |
| 200 miles | 6.7 gal | $23.33 | 59 kg |
| 300 miles | 10.0 gal | $35.00 | 89 kg |
| 500 miles | 16.7 gal | $58.33 | 148 kg |
| 1000 miles | 33.3 gal | $116.67 | 296 kg |
Environmental Impact
CO₂ Emissions
88.9 kg
For this trip
Trees to Offset
4.2
trees/year needed
Each gallon of gasoline produces ~8.89 kg of CO₂. One tree absorbs ~21 kg of CO₂ per year.
Quick Answer
To calculate fuel cost: divide trip distance by your MPG to get gallons needed, then multiply by price per gallon. Formula: (Distance / MPG) x Gas Price = Total Cost. For a 300-mile trip at 30 MPG with gas at $3.50/gallon: (300 / 30) x $3.50 = 10 gallons x $3.50 = $35 total fuel cost. For round trips, double the one-way distance.
Key Facts
- Formula: Fuel Cost = (Distance / MPG) x Price per Gallon
- Average US gas price varies by region ($3-5 per gallon in 2024-2025)
- Average passenger car gets 25-30 MPG; trucks/SUVs get 15-20 MPG
- Highway driving is typically 10-15% more efficient than city driving
- Fuel efficiency drops above 50 mph (about 1% per mph over 50)
- Tire pressure affects MPG: underinflated tires reduce efficiency 3%
- A/C use can reduce fuel efficiency by 5-25%
- Diesel engines get 20-30% better mileage but diesel often costs more
Frequently Asked Questions
Divide your trip distance by your vehicle's MPG to get gallons needed, then multiply by fuel price. Example: 300 miles ÷ 30 MPG = 10 gallons × $3.50 = $35 total fuel cost.
Average new car: ~28-32 MPG. Compact cars: 30-40 MPG. SUVs: 22-28 MPG. Trucks: 18-25 MPG. Hybrids: 45-55 MPG. Electric vehicles: 100+ MPGe equivalent. Older vehicles typically get lower mileage.
To convert MPG to L/100km: divide 235.215 by the MPG value. Example: 30 MPG = 235.215 ÷ 30 = 7.84 L/100km. Lower L/100km is more efficient (opposite of MPG). To convert L/100km to MPG: 235.215 ÷ L/100km.
Maintain steady speed (use cruise control). Avoid rapid acceleration/braking. Keep tires properly inflated (can improve MPG by 3%). Remove excess weight. Keep up with maintenance (air filters, spark plugs). Avoid idling. Drive at moderate speeds (55-65 MPH optimal).
Generally, driving is cheaper for trips under 300 miles or with multiple passengers. Factor in: fuel cost, wear on vehicle (~$0.20/mile), time cost, tolls, parking. A 600-mile solo trip at 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon costs ~$70 fuel alone, plus vehicle wear.
Trip Fuel Cost
Total Cost
$35.00
for this trip
Fuel Needed
10.00 gal
37.9 L