Gasoline Trip Cost Calculator
Estimate your fuel consumption and expenses for your next road trip.
How to Calculate Your Trip's Gasoline Cost
Planning a road trip requires more than just a destination; it requires a budget. Understanding how much you'll spend at the pump is essential for group trips or long-distance hauls. Our Gasoline Trip Calculator simplifies this by using your vehicle's fuel efficiency, the distance of the route, and current fuel prices.
The Mathematics of Fuel Consumption
Depending on where you live, the math changes slightly. For the metric system (liters and kilometers), the formula is:
Total Fuel = (Distance / 100) × Fuel Consumption (L/100km)
For the imperial system (miles and gallons), the formula is:
Total Fuel = Distance / Fuel Efficiency (MPG)
Example Calculation
Imagine you are driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, a distance of approximately 270 miles. Your car gets 25 MPG, and gas is currently $4.50 per gallon. You have 3 friends joining you.
- Total Fuel Needed: 270 / 25 = 10.8 Gallons
- Total Cost: 10.8 × $4.50 = $48.60
- Cost Per Person: $48.60 / 4 = $12.15
Ways to Improve Your Fuel Economy
To keep your trip costs down, consider these efficiency tips:
- Maintain Steady Speeds: Rapid acceleration and heavy braking can lower your gas mileage by up to 30% on highways.
- Check Tire Pressure: Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making your engine work harder.
- Reduce Weight: Carrying unnecessary cargo increases the vehicle's mass and energy requirements.
- Use Cruise Control: On flat highways, cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which is typically more efficient.