2. Fuel = '+v2+' gallons
3. MPG = '+v1+' / '+v2+' = '+res.toFixed(2)+' MPG';}}else if(type==='cost'){res=(v1/v2)*v3;resultLabel.innerHTML='Trip Fuel Cost';resultValue.innerHTML='$'+res.toFixed(2);if(showSteps){details='1. Gallons needed = '+v1+' / '+v2+' = '+(v1/v2).toFixed(2)+' gal
2. Total Cost = '+(v1/v2).toFixed(2)+' * $'+v3+' = $'+res.toFixed(2);}}else if(type==='distance'){res=v1*v2;resultLabel.innerHTML='Estimated Range';resultValue.innerHTML=res.toFixed(2)+' miles';if(showSteps){details='1. Fuel = '+v1+' gallons
2. Efficiency = '+v2+' MPG
3. Distance = '+v1+' * '+v2+' = '+res.toFixed(2)+' miles';}}else if(type==='fuel'){res=v1/v2;resultLabel.innerHTML='Fuel Required';resultValue.innerHTML=res.toFixed(2)+' units';if(showSteps){details='1. Distance = '+v1+' miles
2. MPG = '+v2+'
3. Fuel Needed = '+v1+' / '+v2+' = '+res.toFixed(2)+' units';}}if(showSteps){detailDiv.innerHTML='Steps:
'+details;detailDiv.style.display='block';}else{detailDiv.style.display='none';}}function resetMileage(){document.getElementById('answer').style.display='block';document.getElementById('resultValue').innerHTML='—';document.getElementById('detailSteps').style.display='none';}
Using the Mileage Calculator
Understanding your vehicle's fuel efficiency is vital for budgeting and trip planning. Our mileage calculator provides a comprehensive way to analyze your vehicle's performance, estimate costs for upcoming road trips, and determine how far you can travel on a single tank of gas.
Whether you are trying to calculate MPG (miles per gallon) for a recent commute or estimating the cost of fuel for a cross-country journey, this tool simplifies the math. By switching between different calculation types in the dropdown menu, you can solve for different variables based on the information you have on hand.
- Distance (miles/km)
- The total distance traveled or planned. You can get this from your odometer or a mapping service.
- Fuel Used (gallons/liters)
- The total volume of fuel consumed during the trip, typically found on your gas station receipt.
- Fuel Price
- The current price of fuel per gallon or liter used to estimate the total monetary cost of a trip.
How the Mileage Calculator Works
Fuel efficiency calculations rely on a few fundamental algebraic formulas. Depending on your objective, the mileage calculator rearranges these variables to give you the answer you need.
The MPG Formula
To find your fuel economy, you divide the distance traveled by the amount of fuel consumed.
MPG = Distance (miles) / Fuel Used (gallons)
The Trip Cost Formula
To estimate how much a trip will cost out of pocket, you first find the total gallons needed and then multiply by the price per unit.
Cost = (Distance / MPG) × Price per Gallon
Practical Calculation Examples
Example 1: Calculating MPG
Suppose you drive 350 miles and then fill up your tank with 12.5 gallons of gasoline. What is your mileage?
- Distance = 350 miles
- Fuel = 12.5 gallons
- Calculation: 350 / 12.5
- Result: 28 MPG
Example 2: Estimating Trip Cost
You are planning a trip to a city 500 miles away. Your car averages 25 MPG, and gas currently costs $3.80 per gallon.
- Distance = 500 miles
- Efficiency = 25 MPG
- Price = $3.80
- Fuel needed: 500 / 25 = 20 gallons
- Total Cost: 20 * 3.80 = $76.00
- Result: $76.00
Common Questions
What is a good gas mileage?
A "good" mileage rating depends on the vehicle class. Generally, modern sedans often achieve 30-40 MPG, while SUVs may range from 20-30 MPG. Hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs) offer significantly higher efficiency ratings, often exceeding 50 MPGe (MPG equivalent).
Does driving speed affect mileage?
Yes, speed has a significant impact. Most vehicles are most efficient at speeds between 45 and 55 mph. Driving at 75 mph can consume up to 20% more fuel than driving at 55 mph due to increased aerodynamic drag.
How can I improve my fuel economy?
You can improve results shown on the mileage calculator by maintaining proper tire pressure, removing excess weight from the vehicle, avoiding rapid acceleration, and keeping up with regular engine maintenance like oil changes and air filter replacements.