Everyday
Fuel cost
Estimate road trip fuel cost from distance, efficiency, and fuel price.
miles
$
Total fuel cost
-
- Fuel needed-
- Distance driven-
Estimate only. Real fuel use varies with traffic, speed, load, terrain, and driving style.
How to use this calculator
1. Enter the one-way trip distance. 2. Pick mpg or liters per 100 km and enter your efficiency. 3. Enter the fuel price and choose one way or round trip.
Worked example
300 miles at 30 mpg with gas at $3.50 per gallon, one way: 10 gallons for a total of $35.00. The same trip as a round trip doubles to $70.00.
How the math works
Fuel used = distance / efficiency for mpg, or distance x efficiency / 100 for liters per 100 km. Round trip doubles the distance first. Total cost = fuel used x price per unit.
Should I use mpg or liters per 100 km?
Use whichever your car reports. Higher is better for mpg; lower is better for liters per 100 km. The calculator handles both.
Why is my real fuel cost higher?
City traffic, air conditioning, heavy loads, high speeds, and under-inflated tires all push consumption above the rated efficiency.
Does it include tolls or charging stops?
No. This covers fuel only. Add tolls, food, and lodging separately for a full trip budget.
What about electric vehicles?
Not modeled here. An EV version would use kWh per 100 miles or km and your electricity rate instead of fuel price.