Fuel and Trip Cost Calculator

Choose a realistic efficiency figure

Fuel economy varies with speed, traffic, temperature, elevation, tires, cargo, and driving style. A recent average from the vehicle's trip computer or fuel log is often more representative than a best-case rating.

For a route with city congestion and highway travel, use a blended efficiency figure or run separate low- and high-consumption scenarios.

Costs beyond fuel

Fuel and tolls are the most immediate out-of-pocket costs, but they are not the full cost of driving. Parking, maintenance, tires, depreciation, insurance, lodging, and the value of time can matter for a travel decision.

When comparing driving with rail or air travel, use the same number of travelers and include local transportation at the destination.

• Check current fuel prices near the route.
• Add tolls for both directions when applicable.
• Use round-trip distance for a return journey.
• Divide the final amount by travelers only when costs are actually shared.

Miles per gallon and L/100 km

Higher MPG means better efficiency, while lower L/100 km means better efficiency. Because the two systems move in opposite directions, select the matching measurement mode rather than entering one figure into the other formula.

The calculator reports gallons or liters to two decimal places, but actual pump volume and route distance will vary.

The formula used

Example: a 640-mile round trip