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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