What Is the Fuel Cost Calculator?
This calculator estimates how much you will spend on gasoline for any trip. By entering the distance you plan to drive, your vehicle's fuel economy in miles per gallon (MPG), and the current price per gallon, it instantly shows your total fuel cost, the number of gallons you'll burn, and your cost per mile. It works with any currency value entered in the price field, though the unit shown is the US gallon and mile.
How to Use It
Enter three values: the trip distance in miles, your car's MPG (check your dashboard average or window sticker), and the price per gallon you expect to pay. Press calculate and the result panel updates with the total cost. Use the cost-per-mile figure to compare vehicles or to bill mileage.
The Formula Explained
The math is straightforward. First, divide distance by MPG to find how many gallons the trip requires. Then multiply gallons by the price per gallon to get the total cost:
$$\text{Cost} = \frac{\text{Distance (mi)}}{\text{MPG}} \times \text{Price (\$/gal)}$$
Cost per mile is simply the total cost divided by the distance, which is handy for budgeting longer journeys or comparing efficiency.
Worked Example
Suppose you drive 300 miles in a car that gets 25 MPG, and gas costs $3.50 per gallon. Gallons used \(= 300 \div 25 = 12\) gallons. Total cost $$= 12 \times \$3.50 = \mathbf{\$42.00}.$$ Cost per mile \(= \$42.00 \div 300 = \mathbf{\$0.14}\) per mile.
FAQ
What MPG should I enter? Use your real-world average rather than the official rating if you know it — highway driving is usually higher, city driving lower.
Does this include tolls or maintenance? No. This estimates fuel cost only. Add tolls, parking, and wear separately for a full trip budget.
Can I use kilometers and liters? The labels assume miles and gallons. To use metric, convert your inputs first (1 mile = 1.609 km, 1 gallon = 3.785 L).
