Fuel Cost Calculator
Estimate the fuel cost of any road trip from distance, fuel consumption rate and fuel price.
What Is the Fuel Cost Calculator?
A fuel cost calculator estimates the total fuel cost of a journey based on the distance, the vehicle's fuel consumption rate (litres per 100 km) and the current fuel price per litre. It is useful for budgeting road trips, comparing vehicle running costs and planning long-distance travel.
How to Use the Fuel Cost Calculator
- Enter the trip distance.
- Select the distance unit (km or miles).
- Enter your vehicle's fuel consumption in L/100km.
- Enter the current fuel price per litre.
- Click Calculate.
Formula
Worked Example
500 km trip, 8 L/100km, $1.85/L
Fuel used: 40 L | Total cost: $74.00 | Cost per 100km: $14.80
Understanding Your Result
Fuel consumption varies with speed, load, terrain and driving style. Highway driving is typically more efficient than city driving. The consumption figure you enter should reflect your expected driving conditions for the most accurate estimate.
Common Mistakes
- Using city fuel consumption for a highway trip — highway consumption is typically 15–25% lower.
- Forgetting that fuel prices vary along the route.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my vehicle's fuel consumption?
Check your vehicle's manual or the manufacturer's website. Alternatively, fill the tank, drive a known distance, refill and divide the litres used by the distance driven, then multiply by 100.
Can I use this for miles per gallon?
This calculator uses L/100km. To convert MPG to L/100km: L/100km = 235.21 ÷ MPG.