Gas Price Calculator

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Gas Price & Trip Cost Calculator

Trip Summary

Total Fuel Required:
Total Trip Cost:
Cost Per Person:
function calculateTripCost() { var distance = parseFloat(document.getElementById('tripDistance').value); var efficiency = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fuelEfficiency').value); var price = parseFloat(document.getElementById('gasPrice').value); var people = parseInt(document.getElementById('passengers').value); var resultDiv = document.getElementById('gasResult'); if (isNaN(distance) || isNaN(efficiency) || isNaN(price) || distance <= 0 || efficiency <= 0 || price <= 0) { alert("Please enter valid positive numbers for distance, efficiency, and price."); return; } if (isNaN(people) || people 1) { document.getElementById('splitSection').style.display = "flex"; } else { document.getElementById('splitSection').style.display = "none"; } }

Understanding Gas Price Calculations for Your Road Trip

Planning a road trip involves more than just picking a destination. One of the most significant variable expenses is fuel. A Gas Price Calculator helps you estimate exactly how much you need to budget for gas, ensuring you aren't caught off guard by high pump prices or unexpected consumption rates.

How is Fuel Cost Calculated?

To calculate the cost of gas for a trip manually, you use a three-step formula:

  1. Calculate Total Fuel: (Distance ÷ 100) × Fuel Efficiency (L/100km).
  2. Calculate Total Cost: Total Fuel × Current Price per Liter.
  3. Cost Sharing: Total Cost ÷ Number of Passengers.

Example Calculation

If you are driving from Toronto to Montreal (approximately 540 km) in a vehicle that consumes 8.0 L/100km, and the current gas price is $1.60 per liter:

  • Fuel Used: (540 / 100) * 8.0 = 43.2 Liters
  • Total Cost: 43.2 * $1.60 = $69.12
  • Cost for 4 People: $69.12 / 4 = $17.28 per person

Factors That Affect Your Gas Mileage

While this calculator provides a precise mathematical estimate, real-world variables can change your actual spending:

  • Driving Speed: Most vehicles operate most efficiently between 50 and 80 km/h. High-speed highway driving significantly increases aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption.
  • Vehicle Load: Carrying extra passengers or heavy luggage forces the engine to work harder, increasing the L/100km rate.
  • Tire Pressure: Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance. Ensuring your tires are at the manufacturer's recommended PSI can improve efficiency by up to 3%.
  • Idling: Letting your car run while parked consumes gas without adding distance, lowering your overall "real-world" efficiency.

Tips for Reducing Trip Costs

To save money on your next journey, consider using cruise control on flat highways to maintain a steady speed. Additionally, using apps to find the cheapest gas prices along your route rather than stopping at the first station you see on the highway can save you significant amounts over a long distance.

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