Fuel Economy & Trip Cost Calculator
Calculate your vehicle's fuel efficiency and estimate trip expenses.
How to Calculate Fuel Economy
Understanding your vehicle's fuel economy is essential for budgeting and monitoring engine health. Fuel economy is generally measured in Miles Per Gallon (MPG) in the United States and United Kingdom, or Liters per 100 Kilometers (L/100km) in most other parts of the world.
The MPG Formula: To calculate miles per gallon manually, divide the total miles driven by the number of gallons used to refill the tank. For example, if you drove 300 miles and used 10 gallons of fuel, your efficiency is 30 MPG (300 / 10 = 30).
The Metric Formula: To calculate L/100km, divide the liters used by the kilometers driven, then multiply by 100. For instance, if you used 40 liters to travel 500 km, the calculation is (40 / 500) * 100 = 8.0 L/100km.
Why Monitor Your Fuel Consumption?
Regularly checking your fuel economy can alert you to potential mechanical issues. If you notice a sudden drop in MPG, it could indicate low tire pressure, a clogged air filter, or failing spark plugs. Additionally, better fuel economy directly translates to lower carbon emissions and more money in your pocket.
Tips to Improve Efficiency
- Smooth Acceleration: Avoid "jackrabbit" starts and hard braking.
- Maintain Speed: Use cruise control on highways to maintain a steady pace.
- Reduce Drag: Remove roof racks when not in use and keep windows rolled up at high speeds.
- Tire Pressure: Ensure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended PSI.