Calculate your vehicle expense reimbursement based on distance and rate.
This updates automatically if you use the odometer fields above.
Standard IRS Rate (2024) is approx $0.67 per mile.
Total Distance:–
Applied Rate:–
Total Reimbursement:$0.00
// Helper function to update distance if odometers are used
function calculateDistanceDifference() {
var start = document.getElementById('startOdometer').value;
var end = document.getElementById('endOdometer').value;
var distanceInput = document.getElementById('totalDistance');
if (start !== "" && end !== "") {
var sVal = parseFloat(start);
var eVal = parseFloat(end);
if (!isNaN(sVal) && !isNaN(eVal)) {
var diff = eVal – sVal;
// Prevent negative distance if start > end (user error)
if (diff < 0) diff = 0;
distanceInput.value = diff.toFixed(1);
}
}
}
function calculateReimbursement() {
// 1. Get Input Values
var distanceStr = document.getElementById('totalDistance').value;
var rateStr = document.getElementById('mileageRate').value;
// 2. Parse values
var distance = parseFloat(distanceStr);
var rate = parseFloat(rateStr);
// 3. Validation
if (isNaN(distance) || distance < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid positive number for the total distance.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(rate) || rate < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid rate (e.g., 0.67 for 67 cents).");
return;
}
// 4. Calculation
var totalReimbursement = distance * rate;
// 5. Display Results
document.getElementById('result-container').style.display = 'block';
document.getElementById('displayDistance').innerText = distance.toFixed(1) + " units";
document.getElementById('displayRate').innerText = "$" + rate.toFixed(3) + " / unit";
document.getElementById('finalAmount').innerText = "$" + totalReimbursement.toFixed(2);
}
Understanding Mileage Rate Calculations
Whether you are an employee submitting an expense report, a freelancer deducting business expenses, or a business owner calculating vehicle costs, accurately calculating mileage reimbursement is essential. This Mileage Rate Calculator helps you determine the monetary value of the distance you have driven based on a specific reimbursement rate.
How the Mileage Formula Works
The calculation for mileage reimbursement is straightforward but requires precise record-keeping. The formula used by this calculator is:
Total Reimbursement = Total Distance × Rate per Unit
For example, if you drive 150 miles for a business meeting and your company (or the tax authority) allows a rate of $0.67 per mile, your calculation would be:
150 miles × $0.67 = $100.50
Standard Mileage Rates (IRS Context)
In the United States, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sets a standard mileage rate annually. This rate is intended to cover the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile, including:
Gas and oil
Depreciation (wear and tear)
Insurance
Maintenance and repairs
While this calculator defaults to a common rate (like 0.67), you should always verify the current rate for the specific tax year or your company's specific policy. Rates may differ for medical usage, moving expenses, or charitable service.
Using Odometer Readings vs. Trip Logs
To use this calculator effectively, you can either input your total distance directly or use the odometer fields:
Odometer Method: Note your dashboard mileage before you start driving (Start) and after you arrive (End). The calculator derives the distance automatically.
Trip Log Method: If you use a GPS app or map service, simply enter the total distance of the trip into the "Total Distance" field.
Why Accurate Tracking Matters
Estimating mileage is often rejected during tax audits or corporate expense approvals. It is critical to maintain a contemporaneous log (a log kept at the time of the trip). Your log should include:
Date of the trip
Starting and ending location
Business purpose of the trip
Total miles driven
Using a reliable calculator ensures that your math is correct, preventing errors in your reimbursement claims or tax deductions.