Fuel Burn Rate Calculator
Calculate Gallons Per Hour (GPH) or Liters Per Hour (LPH)
Gallons
Liters
Pounds (lbs)
Kilograms (kg)
Fuel Burn Rate:
–
Total Duration:
–
Total Fuel Used:
–
Hourly Operating Cost:
–
Total Trip Cost:
–
What is Fuel Burn Rate?
Fuel burn rate is a critical metric used primarily in aviation, marine navigation, and heavy machinery operation to measure the rate at which an engine consumes fuel over a specific period. Unlike cars, which typically measure efficiency in distance per volume (e.g., Miles Per Gallon), aircraft and boats measure consumption in volume per time, such as Gallons Per Hour (GPH) or Liters Per Hour (LPH).
Monitoring your fuel burn rate is essential for calculating maximum range, ensuring safety reserves, and managing operational costs.
How to Calculate Fuel Burn Rate
The formula for calculating fuel burn rate is straightforward:
Burn Rate = Total Fuel Consumed ÷ Total Time (in Hours)
For example, if a boat consumes 25 gallons of diesel during a 2 hour and 30 minute trip:
- Convert minutes to decimal hours: 30 mins ÷ 60 = 0.5 hours.
- Add to total hours: 2 + 0.5 = 2.5 hours.
- Divide fuel by time: 25 gallons ÷ 2.5 hours = 10 GPH.
Why Monitoring Burn Rate Matters
- Safety: In aviation and boating, running out of fuel is a life-threatening emergency. Knowing your exact burn rate allows you to plan reserves accurately.
- Engine Health: A sudden increase in fuel burn rate without a change in load or speed can indicate mechanical issues, such as a fuel leak, clogged filters, or injector problems.
- Cost Efficiency: By tracking GPH or LPH at different RPMs, you can identify the "sweet spot" or cruising speed where your engine runs most economically.
Common Units Used
- GPH: Gallons Per Hour (Common in US Aviation/Marine).
- LPH: Liters Per Hour (Common internationally).
- PPH: Pounds Per Hour (Used in jet aviation where fuel weight affects takeoff performance).