Fuel Cost Calculator

Calculate fuel costs for trips, daily commuting, and compare vehicle efficiency. Plan your travel budget and find opportunities to save money on fuel.

Trip Cost Calculator

Calculate fuel costs for one-time trips or road trips

Distance

Fuel Efficiency (MPG)

Gas Price per Gallon

Currency

Round trip calculation

Commute Cost Calculator

Calculate annual fuel costs for your daily commute

One-way Distance

Vehicle MPG

Gas Price

Work Days/Week

Vacation Weeks

Vehicle Comparison

Compare fuel costs across different vehicle types for the same trip

Trip Distance

Gas Price per Gallon

Key Features

Calculate trip costs for any distance

Annual commute cost estimation

Compare multiple vehicle types

Fuel efficiency optimization tips

Understanding Fuel Costs

Cost Per Mile: Total fuel cost divided by distance traveled

MPG Rating: Miles per gallon fuel efficiency rating

Real-World vs EPA: Actual efficiency varies by driving conditions

Tips & Strategies

Maintain Steady Speed: Use cruise control on highways for better efficiency

Regular Maintenance: Keep tires inflated and engine tuned

Combine Trips: Reduce cold starts by planning errands together

Use Gas Apps: Find cheapest fuel stations along your route

Avoid Rush Hour: Stop-and-go traffic reduces fuel efficiency by 20-40%

Remove Excess Weight: Every 100 pounds reduces efficiency by 1-2%

Optimal Speed: Most cars achieve best efficiency at 45-55 mph

Air Conditioning: Use A/C on highways, windows down in city driving

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate are these fuel cost calculations?

Our calculations are based on your vehicle's rated MPG and current gas prices. Actual costs may vary due to driving conditions, weather, vehicle maintenance, and driving habits.

What factors affect real-world fuel efficiency?

Traffic conditions, weather, vehicle maintenance, driving speed, acceleration patterns, and vehicle load all impact actual fuel efficiency, which may differ from EPA ratings.

Should I consider other costs besides fuel?

Yes, total vehicle costs include depreciation, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and parking fees. Fuel typically represents 15-25% of total vehicle ownership costs.

How can I improve my vehicle's fuel efficiency?

Maintain steady speeds, keep tires properly inflated, remove excess weight, combine trips, and keep up with regular maintenance to maximize fuel efficiency.

What's the difference between EPA and real-world MPG?

EPA ratings are laboratory tests under controlled conditions. Real-world MPG is typically 10-20% lower due to traffic, weather, driving habits, and vehicle condition.

How do gas prices affect my annual fuel costs?

A $0.50 increase in gas price can add $200-800 annually to commuting costs, depending on mileage. Use our calculator to estimate impacts of price changes.

Is it worth buying a more fuel-efficient car?

Consider annual fuel savings, purchase price difference, and how long you'll keep the vehicle. High-mileage drivers typically benefit most from efficiency upgrades.

How does vehicle maintenance affect fuel costs?

Poor maintenance can reduce efficiency by 10-40%. Regular oil changes, air filter replacement, and proper tire pressure are the most cost-effective improvements.