Fuel Rate Calculator
Calculate fuel consumption and trip cost
US Imperial (Miles, Gallons, MPG)
Metric (Kilometers, Liters, L/100km)
Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields.
Total Fuel Required:
0.00 Gal
Cost per Mile:
$0.00
Total Trip Cost:
$0.00
Understanding Your Fuel Rate
Whether you are planning a road trip, managing a fleet of vehicles, or simply trying to budget for your daily commute, understanding your fuel rate is essential. This Fuel Rate Calculator helps you determine the exact cost of a trip based on your vehicle's efficiency, the distance traveled, and current fuel prices.
How Fuel Rate is Calculated
The calculation depends heavily on the unit system used, as efficiency is measured differently in the US compared to metric-using countries.
1. US Imperial System (Miles & Gallons)
In the United States, fuel economy is measured in Miles Per Gallon (MPG). The formula to find your total cost is:
- Fuel Consumed (Gallons) = Trip Distance ÷ MPG
- Total Cost = Fuel Consumed × Price per Gallon
2. Metric System (Kilometers & Liters)
In most other parts of the world, efficiency is often measured in Liters per 100 Kilometers (L/100km). Note that unlike MPG, a lower number indicates better efficiency.
- Fuel Consumed (Liters) = (Trip Distance × L/100km) ÷ 100
- Total Cost = Fuel Consumed × Price per Liter
Factors Affecting Fuel Efficiency
Real-world fuel rates often differ from manufacturer estimates. Consider these factors when budgeting:
- Driving Habits: Rapid acceleration and speeding can lower fuel efficiency by 15% to 30% at highway speeds.
- Vehicle Load: An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by about 1%.
- Maintenance: Using the recommended grade of motor oil and keeping tires properly inflated can improve mileage by up to 3%.
- Idling: Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Minimizing idle time saves fuel and money.
Why Use a Fuel Rate Calculator?
Rising fuel prices make it increasingly important to calculate trip costs accurately. By inputting your specific vehicle data, you can split costs fairly with passengers, estimate travel budgets for business expenses, or compare the cost-effectiveness of different routes.