Fuel Cost Calculator
Estimate how much your next drive will cost by entering distance, fuel efficiency, and pump price. Great for road trips, daily commutes, or budgeting.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your one-way distance
Use mapping apps to measure the miles from start to destination.
Specify fuel economy
Use real-world mpg from your dashboard or historical records.
Add fuel price and extras
Include tolls, parking, or road-use charges to see your total cost.
Toggle round trip if needed
Check the box to double distances automatically for return journeys.
Formula
Total Cost = (Distance ÷ MPG × Fuel Price) + Additional Costs
Fuel Needed (gal) = Distance ÷ MPG
Example: 250 mile one-way trip, round trip selected, 28 mpg, $3.95/gal, $20 tolls:
Total distance = 500 mi, Fuel = 500 ÷ 28 = 17.86 gal
Fuel cost = 17.86 × 3.95 = $70.56 → Total cost = $70.56 + $20 = $90.56
About the Fuel Cost Calculator
Fuel prices fluctuate daily. This calculator helps drivers budget road trips, business travel, or commuter costs with up-to-date MPG and price inputs.
When to Use This Calculator
- Trip planning: Estimate fuel expenses before vacations or weekend getaways.
- Expense reports: Provide accurate mileage cost breakdowns for reimbursement.
- Vehicle comparisons: See how fuel-efficient vehicles save money on long routes.
- Budgeting: Track monthly commuting costs for personal finance planning.
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Customizable distances: Toggle between one-way and round-trip travel instantly.
- ✅ Realistic extras: Add tolls, parking, or ferry fees to get the full picture.
- ✅ Metric-friendly: Outputs cost per kilometer and liters for international users.
- ✅ Mobile-ready: Budget trips on the go from your phone or tablet.
Common Applications
Rideshare drivers: Track cost per mile to maintain profitability.
Delivery fleets: Estimate fuel budgets for route planning.
Students: Split travel costs for weekend trips with friends.
Tips for Best Results
- Use recent fuel receipts for accurate pricing.
- Adjust MPG for highway vs city driving—many vehicles list both values.
- Include a buffer for unexpected detours or heavy traffic.
- Recalculate before each trip when fuel prices change significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I estimate MPG if I don't know it?
Check your vehicle's trip computer or calculate manually by dividing miles driven by gallons filled at the pump over several tanks.
Can I use liters per 100 km instead of MPG?
Convert L/100 km to MPG using MPG = 235.215 ÷ (L/100 km) before entering the value. Future updates may add native metric inputs.
Does driving speed change fuel cost?
Yes. Higher speeds and aggressive driving reduce fuel economy. Adjust your MPG input based on anticipated driving style or terrain.
What about electric vehicles?
For EVs, use our dedicated charging or energy cost calculators. This tool focuses on gasoline and diesel fuel economics.