Fuel Cost Calculator

Estimate the total fuel cost for any trip based on distance, fuel price and efficiency.

miles
$/gal
Guides & Reference

How It Works

Calculates fuel cost for a trip: Cost = (Distance ÷ MPG) × Price per gallon. Helps compare costs between vehicles and plan road trip budgets.

Formula

Cost = (Distance / MPG) x Price

Quick Reference

Common calculations — results you can verify instantly.

500 miles, 30MPG, $3.50

500/30×3.50

$58.33

300 miles, 25MPG, $4

300/25×4

$48

NYC to LA ~2,800mi

2800/30×3.50

~$327

Tips & Shortcuts

✓

Gas apps (GasBuddy) show the cheapest stations near your route.

✓

Highway MPG is higher than city — use the appropriate figure for your trip type.

✓

EVs: calculate cost as (kWh per 100 miles ÷ 100) × miles × electricity rate.

Common Mistakes

✕

Using the EPA combined MPG for all driving

City driving gets lower MPG than highway. Use the appropriate figure for your actual driving type.

✕

Forgetting that gas prices vary significantly by route

Fill up before entering expensive states/cities when planning long road trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

(500 ÷ 30) × $3.50 = 16.67 gallons × $3.50 = $58.33.

Cost per mile = Fuel price ÷ MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 30 MPG: $3.50 ÷ 30 = $0.117/mile.

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