Fuel Cost Calculator

Fuel Cost Calculation

Knowing your fuel cost helps you budget for road trips, daily commutes, and compare vehicle operating costs. Whether you are planning a cross-country trip or just trying to estimate your monthly gas budget, these formulas make it easy.

Fuel Cost Formulas

• Gallons needed: Distance (miles) / Fuel efficiency (MPG)
• Total fuel cost: Gallons needed x Price per gallon
• Cost per mile: Price per gallon / MPG
• Example: 500-mile trip, 28 MPG, $3.50/gal = 17.86 gallons = $62.50 total ($0.125/mile)

Average MPG by Vehicle Type (2024)

• Compact car (Civic, Corolla): 30-40 MPG
• Midsize sedan (Camry, Accord): 25-35 MPG
• Small SUV (RAV4, CR-V): 25-32 MPG
• Large SUV (Tahoe, Expedition): 15-22 MPG
• Pickup truck (F-150, Silverado): 15-25 MPG
• Hybrid (Prius, Ioniq): 45-60 MPG
• Plug-in hybrid: 60-100+ MPGe (varies by electric vs. gas driving)

Annual Fuel Cost Comparison (13,500 miles/year at $3.50/gal)

• 15 MPG (large truck/SUV): 900 gallons = $3,150/year
• 25 MPG (average car): 540 gallons = $1,890/year
• 35 MPG (efficient sedan): 386 gallons = $1,350/year
• 50 MPG (hybrid): 270 gallons = $945/year
• Electric vehicle: ~$540/year (equivalent at national avg. electricity rate)

Popular Road Trip Fuel Cost Estimates (28 MPG, $3.50/gal)

• NYC to Washington DC (~225 mi): ~$28
• LA to Las Vegas (~270 mi): ~$34
• Chicago to Detroit (~280 mi): ~$35
• NYC to Miami (~1,280 mi): ~$160
• LA to San Francisco (~380 mi): ~$48
• Cross-country NYC to LA (~2,790 mi): ~$349

Fuel Efficiency Tips

• Optimal speed: Most vehicles achieve best fuel economy between 35-55 mph. Above 65 mph, each additional 5 mph costs roughly $0.24 extra per gallon.
• Smooth driving: Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, which can lower MPG by 15-30% in city driving.
• Tire pressure: Check monthly. Every 1 PSI below recommended pressure reduces fuel economy by about 0.2%.
• Reduce drag: Remove roof racks and cargo carriers when not in use. A roof rack can decrease fuel economy by 2-8%.
• Minimize weight: Every 100 extra pounds reduces MPG by about 1-2%.
• Use cruise control: Maintaining a constant speed on highways can improve fuel economy by 7-14%.
• Regular maintenance: Replace air filters, use recommended oil, and fix oxygen sensor issues to maintain optimal efficiency.

Important Notes

• EPA-rated MPG is measured under controlled conditions. Real-world fuel economy is typically 10-20% lower due to traffic, weather, terrain, and driving style.
• Gas prices vary significantly by location. Use apps like GasBuddy to find the lowest prices near you.
• Total driving costs include more than just fuel -- factor in insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and tolls for comprehensive budgeting.