Fuel Cost Calculator
Estimate the fuel cost of a trip from distance, fuel efficiency, and gas price.
Try an example
$37.50
About this calculator
How This Fuel Cost Calculator Works
Enter a trip distance, your vehicle's fuel efficiency, and the price per gallon, and the calculator returns the total fuel cost for the trip.
Worked Example
A 300-mile trip in a car getting 28 mpg, with gas at $3.50/gallon, costs about $37.50 in fuel — using roughly 10.71 gallons.
The Formula
Fuel cost = (Distance ÷ MPG) × Price per gallon. Distance divided by fuel efficiency gives the gallons needed; multiplying by the price per gallon converts that into a dollar cost.
What This Doesn't Include
This is fuel cost only — it doesn't account for tolls, parking, wear and tear on the vehicle, or other trip expenses. It also assumes a constant fuel efficiency for the whole trip, though real-world MPG varies with speed, terrain, traffic, and driving style. For a more accurate efficiency figure based on your own driving, use the Gas Mileage Calculator first.
Worked example
A 300-mile trip in a car getting 28 mpg, with gas at $3.50/gallon, costs about $37.50 in fuel — using roughly 10.71 gallons.
Frequently asked questions
Does this include anything besides fuel?
No — this is fuel cost only. Tolls, wear and tear, and other trip costs aren't included.
How accurate is my car's real-world MPG?
Actual fuel economy varies with driving style, terrain, temperature, and load, and often differs somewhat from the EPA-estimated figure — check your vehicle's trip computer or calculate it yourself with the Gas Mileage Calculator for a more accurate number.