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Fuel Cost Calculator

Estimate the fuel cost for a trip based on distance, vehicle fuel economy, fuel price and optional extra passengers for cost sharing.

Your Details

Overview

This fuel cost calculator helps you estimate how much a trip may cost in fuel using your travel distance, vehicle fuel economy and current fuel price. You can also include a round trip and split the cost between multiple people.

How it works

The calculator first works out the total distance, doubling it if you select a round trip. It then divides that distance by your vehicle's fuel economy to estimate how many gallons of fuel you will need. Finally, it multiplies the fuel needed by the fuel price to estimate the total fuel cost, and divides that total by the number of people if you want to share the cost.

How to use this calculator

  1. 1Enter the total trip distance.
  2. 2Add your vehicle's average fuel economy in miles per gallon.
  3. 3Enter the fuel price per gallon.
  4. 4Check the round trip box if you want to include the return journey.
  5. 5Enter how many people will share the fuel cost.
  6. 6Review the estimated fuel needed, total fuel cost and cost per person.

Example Calculation

Trip distance

150

Vehicle fuel economy

30

Fuel price

$4

Is this a round trip?

true

Number of people sharing the cost

3

Estimated fuel cost

$38.00

For a 150-mile trip each way, a car averaging 30 mpg and fuel priced at $3.80 per gallon would use about 10 gallons for 300 total miles. The estimated fuel cost would be about $38.00, or roughly $12.67 per person when shared by 3 people.

Frequently asked questions

What does this fuel cost calculator estimate?

It estimates the amount of fuel needed for a trip, the total fuel cost and the shared cost per person if you split the expense.

Does this calculator include a round trip?

Yes. If you select the round trip option, the calculator doubles the entered distance before estimating fuel use and cost.

What fuel economy should I enter?

Use your vehicle's typical real-world average miles per gallon. If you are unsure, you can use a recent trip average from your dashboard or manual.

Does it include tolls or parking?

No. This calculator only estimates fuel cost and does not include tolls, parking, maintenance or other travel expenses.

Why might the actual fuel cost be different?

Actual fuel cost can vary due to traffic, speed, terrain, weather, vehicle load, idling and changes in fuel prices.

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Assumptions and warnings

Assumptions

  • Fuel economy stays consistent throughout the trip.
  • Fuel price remains the same for the full journey.
  • The calculation estimates fuel cost only and does not include tolls, parking, maintenance or other travel costs.
  • Results are estimates and actual fuel use can vary with traffic, weather, driving style and vehicle load.