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Fuel Cost Calculator

Calculate your trip fuel cost

Total Fuel Cost

$14

Fuel Needed

4.00 gal

Cost per Mile

$0

Cost per 100 Miles

$14

Units
$
Fuel Needed (gal)

4.00

Cost per Mile

$0

Cost per 100 Miles

$14

Total Fuel Cost

$14

Trip Cost Breakdown

Total Fuel Cost$14
Cost per 100 Miles$14

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How do I calculate fuel cost for a trip?

Fuel Cost = (Distance ÷ MPG) × Price per Gallon. Example: 300-mile trip, 25 MPG, $3.50/gallon = (300 ÷ 25) × $3.50 = 12 gallons × $3.50 = $42. Round trip doubles the cost.

  • Formula: (Miles ÷ MPG) × Price = Fuel Cost
  • Find your MPG: From car specs or calculate
  • Calculate MPG: Miles driven ÷ Gallons used
  • Round trip: Double the one-way cost
  • City vs highway: Highway MPG is usually 20-30% better
Trip Distance20 MPG25 MPG30 MPG35 MPG
100 miles$17.50$14.00$11.67$10.00
250 miles$43.75$35.00$29.17$25.00
500 miles$87.50$70.00$58.33$50.00
1000 miles$175.00$140.00$116.67$100.00
Q

What is the average MPG for different vehicle types?

Economy cars: 30-40 MPG. Midsize sedans: 25-35 MPG. Compact SUVs: 25-32 MPG. Full-size SUVs: 18-25 MPG. Pickup trucks: 15-22 MPG. Hybrids: 45-60 MPG. EVs: ~100 MPGe.

  • *Based on 12,000 miles/year at $3.50/gallon
  • EPA estimates are often optimistic
  • Real-world MPG typically 10-15% lower
  • Driving style significantly affects MPG
Vehicle TypeCity MPGHighway MPGAnnual Fuel Cost*
Economy car28-3535-45$1,200-1,600
Midsize sedan25-3032-40$1,500-1,900
Compact SUV23-2828-35$1,700-2,100
Full-size SUV16-2022-28$2,500-3,200
Pickup truck14-1818-24$2,800-3,500
Hybrid50-5545-55$800-1,100
Q

How can I improve my fuel economy?

Easy wins: Proper tire pressure (+3%), steady speed (+10%), remove roof rack (+5%), reduce idling. Avoid aggressive acceleration (-33%). Use cruise control on highway. Keep up maintenance.

  • Tire pressure: Check monthly, under-inflation costs 3%+ MPG
  • Steady speed: Avoid rapid acceleration/braking
  • Speed matters: 55-65 mph is optimal; 70+ costs 10-20% more
  • AC vs windows: AC is more efficient above 40 mph
  • Reduce weight: Every 100 lbs = 1-2% MPG loss
  • Roof rack: Remove when not in use (-5% MPG)
  • Maintenance: Clean air filter, proper oil, tune-up
Driving HabitMPG ImpactAnnual Savings*
Aggressive driving-15 to -33%$300-700 lost
Speeding (70 vs 55)-15 to -25%$250-500 lost
Proper tire pressure+3%$50-100 saved
Remove 100 lbs+1-2%$20-50 saved
Q

Is it cheaper to drive or fly?

General rule: Under 300 miles, driving is usually cheaper for 2+ people. Over 500 miles, flying may be cheaper per person. Factor in: Fuel, tolls, parking, time value, hotel stops for long drives.

  • *Flying costs vary widely by route/timing
  • Add tolls for east coast drives ($50-100+)
  • Rental car at destination: Add $40-80/day
  • Time value: 500 miles = 8+ hours driving
  • More passengers = driving becomes cheaper per person
DistanceDriving Cost (25 MPG)Flying Cost*Better Option (2 people)
200 miles$28 fuel$200+ per personDrive
500 miles$70 fuel$150-250 per personDepends
1000 miles$140 fuel + hotel$150-300 per personFly (usually)
2000 miles$280 + 2 hotels$200-400 per personFly
Q

How do I calculate cost per mile?

Fuel cost per mile = Gas price ÷ MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 25 MPG: $3.50 ÷ 25 = $0.14 per mile. Total cost per mile (including maintenance, insurance, depreciation) is typically $0.50-0.70.

  • Fuel only: Gas price ÷ MPG = cost per mile
  • IRS mileage rate (2024): $0.67/mile (includes all costs)
  • This covers: Fuel, maintenance, insurance, depreciation
  • Useful for: Business deductions, reimbursement
  • EV cost: ~$0.04/mile electricity only
MPG$3.00/gallon$3.50/gallon$4.00/gallon
20 MPG$0.15/mile$0.175/mile$0.20/mile
25 MPG$0.12/mile$0.14/mile$0.16/mile
30 MPG$0.10/mile$0.117/mile$0.133/mile
40 MPG$0.075/mile$0.0875/mile$0.10/mile
Q

How much does commuting cost?

Calculate: Round trip miles × Work days × Fuel cost per mile. Example: 30-mile round trip, 5 days/week, 50 weeks = 7,500 miles. At $0.14/mile = $1,050/year in fuel alone. Add parking, tolls, maintenance.

  • *Total includes fuel, maintenance, depreciation (~$0.40/mile)
  • Parking: Add $100-400/month in cities
  • Tolls: Can add $50-200+/month
  • Consider: Hybrid, carpool, transit, remote work
  • EV: Cuts fuel portion by 70-80%
Round TripAnnual MilesFuel Cost (25 MPG)Total Cost*
10 miles2,500$350$1,000
20 miles5,000$700$2,000
30 miles7,500$1,050$3,000
50 miles12,500$1,750$5,000

Example Calculations

1300-Mile Road Trip at 25 MPG

Inputs

Distance300 miles
Fuel Economy25 MPG
Gas Price$3.50/gallon

Result

Total Fuel Cost$42
Fuel Needed12.00 gallons
Cost per Mile$0.14
Cost per 100 Miles$14

Gallons needed = 300 / 25 = 12. Total cost = 12 x $3.50 = $42. Cost per mile = $3.50 / 25 = $0.14.

2500-Mile Trip in an SUV at 20 MPG

Inputs

Distance500 miles
Fuel Economy20 MPG
Gas Price$3.80/gallon

Result

Total Fuel Cost$95
Fuel Needed25.00 gallons
Cost per Mile$0.19
Cost per 100 Miles$19

Gallons needed = 500 / 20 = 25. Total cost = 25 x $3.80 = $95. Cost per mile = $3.80 / 20 = $0.19.

Formulas Used

Total Fuel Cost (Imperial)

Total Cost = (Distance / MPG) x Price per Gallon

Calculates total fuel cost for a trip using miles, MPG, and gas price per gallon.

Where:

Distance= Trip distance in miles
MPG= Vehicle fuel economy (miles per gallon)
Price per Gallon= Current gas price per gallon

Cost per Mile

Cost per Mile = Price per Gallon / MPG

The fuel cost for each mile driven.

Where:

Price per Gallon= Gas price per gallon
MPG= Vehicle fuel economy

Understanding Fuel Costs

Fuel costs are a significant part of vehicle ownership and trip planning.

Your vehicle's MPG (miles per gallon) rating directly impacts how much you spend on gas.

Planning trips and comparing fuel costs helps you budget and make informed travel decisions.

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Last Updated: Feb 12, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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