Fuel Cost Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the fuel cost calculated?
The fuel cost is calculated by dividing your trip distance by your vehicle's fuel efficiency to determine how much fuel you'll need. This is then multiplied by the fuel price to get the total cost. For example, a 100-mile trip at 25 MPG with gas at $3.50/gallon would need 4 gallons, costing $14.00.
What's the difference between MPG and L/100km?
MPG (miles per gallon) is used in the US and UK, measuring how many miles you can drive on one gallon of fuel. L/100km (liters per 100 kilometers) is common in most other countries and measures how many liters of fuel are needed to travel 100 kilometers. Higher MPG means better efficiency, while lower L/100km means better efficiency.
How do I find my vehicle's fuel efficiency?
You can find your vehicle's fuel efficiency in several ways:
- Check your vehicle's owner's manual
- Look at the sticker on the driver's door jamb
- Visit fueleconomy.gov for EPA estimates
- Calculate it yourself by tracking fuel and mileage over several fill-ups
Why might my actual fuel cost differ from the estimate?
Several factors can affect your actual fuel consumption:
- Driving conditions (highway vs. city driving)
- Traffic and stop-and-go driving
- Weather conditions and terrain
- Vehicle load and passengers
- Driving habits (speed, acceleration, braking)