Fuel Cost Calculator
Estimate your trip fuel cost from distance, consumption, and fuel price.
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What this calculator does
It estimates how much you’ll spend on fuel for a trip using distance, vehicle consumption, and fuel price.
How trip cost is calculated
Fuel needed = distance × consumption/100. Trip cost = fuel needed × price per liter (or per gallon).
Who should use this
- Drivers budgeting for road trips
- Commuters comparing route costs
Examples
- 250 km at 7.5 L/100km and $1.90/L → ≈ $35.63
- 400 miles at 30 mpg and $3.80/gal → ≈ $50.67
Understanding Fuel Costs
L/100km vs MPG
These are two ways to measure fuel efficiency:
- L/100km (Liters per 100 kilometers): Used in metric countries. Lower numbers = better efficiency.
- MPG (Miles per gallon): Used in the US and UK. Higher numbers = better efficiency.
Conversion: MPG = 235.21 / L/100km. For example, 7.5 L/100km = 31.4 MPG.
L/100km is more intuitive for cost calculations since it directly shows fuel used per distance, making trip cost estimation easier.
How to Estimate Trip Cost
To estimate fuel cost for a trip:
- Determine trip distance (km or miles)
- Know your vehicle's fuel efficiency (L/100km or MPG)
- Check current fuel price per liter/gallon
- Calculate: Cost = (Distance × Fuel Efficiency × Price) / 100 (for L/100km) or Cost = (Distance / MPG) × Price (for MPG)
Example: 250 km at 7.5 L/100km with $1.90/L → (250 × 7.5 × 1.90) / 100 = $35.63
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I improve my fuel efficiency?
Drive smoothly, maintain proper tire pressure, reduce weight, avoid excessive idling, use cruise control on highways, and keep your vehicle well-maintained.
Should I use L/100km or MPG?
Use whichever system is standard in your region. L/100km is easier for cost calculations since it directly relates to fuel consumption per distance.