Fuel Cost Calculator US
Calculate the fuel needed and total cost for a trip from distance, mileage and fuel price.
How it works
A discount reduces the original price by a percentage. The saving is the price times the discount; the sale price is what remains.
Sale price = Price × (1 − discount%)Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate fuel cost for a trip?
Divide the distance by your mpg to get gallons used, then multiply by the price per gallon. 300 miles at 30 mpg and $3.50 is $35.
How do I find cost per mile?
Divide the price per gallon by your mpg. At $3.50 and 30 mpg, that is about 11.7 cents per mile.
Does city or highway driving cost more?
City driving usually returns lower mpg due to stop-start traffic, so it costs more per mile than steady highway driving.
What raises my fuel consumption?
Heavy loads, roof boxes, aggressive acceleration, high speeds and under-inflated tyres all increase fuel use and cost.
How do I split fuel costs for a carpool?
Calculate the total trip fuel cost and divide it by the number of people sharing the ride.
Should I use the car’s rated mpg?
It is a starting point, but real-world economy often differs, so using your own observed mpg gives a more accurate estimate.
Estimating the fuel cost of a trip
The fuel cost of a journey depends on three things: the distance, your vehicle’s fuel economy, and the price of fuel. Combine them and you get the total cost, using cost = (distance ÷ mpg) × price per gallon.
Worked example
A 300-mile trip in a car doing 30 mpg uses 300 ÷ 30 = 10 gallons. At $3.50 a gallon that is 10 × $3.50 = $35 in fuel. The cost per mile here is about 11.7 cents.
What changes the number
Highway driving usually returns better mpg than stop-start city driving, so real-world economy can differ from the sticker figure. A loaded vehicle, roof boxes, hard acceleration and low tyre pressure all raise consumption and therefore cost.
For round trips, double the distance. To split costs among passengers, divide the total by the number of people — a handy way to share the cost of a carpool or road trip fairly.
Results are estimates for general guidance in United States and may not reflect the latest local rates, fees or rules. Check official sources before making decisions.