Category
Automotive
Fuel Cost Calculator
Estimate fuel cost from driving distance, MPG, and gas price per gallon
Estimated time
1 min
Fuel Cost Inputs
Estimate gallons required and total fuel spend from distance, MPG efficiency, and gas price per gallon.
Use realistic trip-average MPG. Lower values increase fuel consumption and cost.
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Formula Summary
Gallons required = distance miles / MPG
Fuel-only cost = gallons required x gas price
Total drive cost = fuel-only cost + extras
Cost per mile = total drive cost / distance
Cost per 100 miles = cost per mile x 100
How It Works
Use this calculator for commute planning, road-trip budgeting, or reimbursement estimates where fuel is the primary cost driver.
It also reports normalized metrics like cost per mile and cost per 100 miles for easy route or vehicle comparisons.
- Gallons required = distance / MPG.
- Fuel cost = gallons required x gas price.
- Optional road extras are added after fuel-only estimate.
- Cost per mile = total cost / distance.
- Cost per 100 miles = cost per mile x 100.
Example Calculations
Commute month estimate
900 miles, 30 MPG, $3.55/gal, $20 extras
30.00 gal, $106.50 fuel-only, $126.50 total, $0.14/mile
With efficient MPG, optional extras can become a noticeable share of total cost.
Weekend drive
420 miles, 25 MPG, $3.95/gal, $0 extras
16.80 gal, $66.36 total, $0.16/mile
Fuel-only planning is enough when tolls and parking are minimal.
Long-distance trip
1,400 miles, 22 MPG, $4.10/gal, $75 extras
63.64 gal, $260.91 fuel-only, $335.91 total, $0.24/mile
Lower MPG compounds quickly on longer distances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use city or highway MPG?
Use your expected trip-average MPG. For mixed driving, combined MPG usually gives the best estimate.
Can I model a round trip?
Yes. Enter full round-trip mileage as the distance input.
Why include extras?
Extras capture tolls and parking so the estimate better reflects real trip cash outflow.
Does this include maintenance or depreciation?
No. This tool is for fuel and direct trip extras only.
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