How to use the fuel cost calculator
- 1Choose miles and MPG, or kilometers and L/100 km.
- 2Enter the distance, your car's fuel economy and the fuel price.
- 3Tick Round trip if you are coming back the same way.
- 4Enter how many people are sharing the cost.
How the cost is worked out
- Miles and MPG: fuel needed = distance ÷ MPG, then cost = gallons × price per gallon.
- Kilometers and L/100 km: fuel needed = distance × L/100 km ÷ 100, then cost = liters × price per liter.
A 300-mile trip in a car that does 28 MPG uses about 10.7 gallons. At 3.60 a gallon, that is about 38.57.
Getting an accurate figure
Use your car's real-world economy, not the official figure, which is often optimistic. Highway driving at steady speeds is usually more efficient than stop-start city driving, while heavy loads, roof boxes, air conditioning and high speeds increase fuel use.
For drivers who earn by the mile
The cost per mile or kilometer shows what fuel takes out of every trip. Add maintenance, insurance and depreciation for the full running cost.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my car's fuel economy?
Fill the tank, reset the trip meter, drive normally, then refill. Divide the distance by the fuel used.
Does this include tolls or parking?
No. It estimates fuel only.
Can I use this for an electric car?
Not directly. For an EV, multiply the distance by its energy use per mile or km, then by your electricity price.
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