Fuel Cost Calculator

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Enter distance, efficiency, and fuel price above

Common MPG by vehicle type

Compact car 32-38 MPG
Midsize sedan 28-34 MPG
SUV (midsize) 24-28 MPG
Pickup truck 18-22 MPG
Hybrid sedan 45-55 MPG
Full-size SUV 16-20 MPG

How Is Fuel Cost Calculated?

The formula is straightforward:

Gallons used = Distance (miles) / MPG
Fuel cost = Gallons used x Price per gallon

For metric: Liters used = Distance (km) x L/100km / 100. Then multiply by price per liter.

Common Road Trip Fuel Costs

Assumes 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon

New York to Miami (1,280 mi) $149
Los Angeles to Las Vegas (270 mi) $31
Chicago to Nashville (470 mi) $55
Seattle to San Francisco (810 mi) $94
Boston to Washington DC (440 mi) $51

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my car's MPG?

Check fueleconomy.gov for EPA-rated MPG by year, make, and model. For real-world MPG, fill your tank, reset your trip odometer, drive normally, then refill and divide miles driven by gallons used. Real-world MPG is typically 10-20% lower than EPA estimates.

What factors affect fuel economy?

Highway driving is more efficient than city driving for most vehicles. Tire pressure, speed (fuel economy drops significantly above 60 mph), AC use, cargo weight, and vehicle age all affect MPG. Cold weather can reduce fuel economy by 15-25% due to engine warm-up and battery drain.

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