Use our Google Maps Fuel Cost Calculator for the UK to estimate the total cost of fuel for any journey. Simply input your distance, vehicle’s fuel efficiency, and the current price of petrol or diesel per litre.
Google Maps Fuel Cost Calculator UK
Detailed Calculation Steps
Google Maps Fuel Cost Calculator UK Formula
Cost (£) = Total Litres Required × Price (£/Litre)
Total Litres Required = Distance (Miles) × Litres Per Mile (L/M)
If using MPG: L/M = 4.54609 / MPG
If using L/100km: L/M = (L/100km / 100) × 1.60934
Formula Source: UK Government Transport Statistics | The AA Fuel Price Data
Variables Explained
- Total Distance (Miles): The total length of the trip, usually derived from route planners like Google Maps.
- Vehicle Efficiency Unit (MPG / L/100km): Specifies the metric for fuel usage. UK vehicles often use MPG.
- Vehicle Efficiency Value: The numerical value of your car’s efficiency (e.g., 50 MPG means you get 50 miles per gallon).
- Fuel Price (£ per Litre): The cost of petrol or diesel at the pump in British Pounds (£) per litre.
What is Google Maps Fuel Cost Calculator UK?
The Fuel Cost Calculator is an essential tool for drivers planning long-distance travel in the United Kingdom. While Google Maps provides the shortest route and estimated travel time, it does not calculate the associated fuel expenses. This calculator bridges that gap by integrating common UK metrics (miles, MPG, £/Litre) to provide an accurate financial estimate.
Understanding your fuel expenditure in advance is crucial for budgeting, especially given the volatility of fuel prices across the UK. The calculation relies on a precise unit conversion to ensure that regardless of whether you measure efficiency in MPG or L/100km, the final cost in British Pounds is correct.
How to Calculate Fuel Cost (Example)
- Determine Inputs: A driver has a journey of 300 miles, their car averages 55 MPG, and fuel costs £1.60 per litre.
- Convert MPG to Litres per Mile (L/M): First, find out how many miles are driven per litre. Since 1 UK Gallon = 4.54609 Litres, L/M = 4.54609 / 55 MPG ≈ 0.08265 L/Mile.
- Calculate Total Litres: Total Litres = Distance × L/M = 300 miles × 0.08265 L/Mile ≈ 24.795 Litres.
- Calculate Total Cost: Total Cost = Total Litres × Price = 24.795 L × £1.60/L ≈ £39.67.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How does this calculator handle petrol vs. diesel? The calculation method remains the same for both. You simply need to input the correct price per litre for the fuel type your vehicle uses.
- Is the calculation for a round trip? The calculator only uses the “Total Distance” you enter. If you need the cost for a return journey, double the distance before entering it.
- Why do I need to input distance in miles? Google Maps in the UK typically provides route distances in miles. Using miles as the base unit simplifies the transfer of data from your route plan to the calculator.
- Is the 4.54609 constant accurate? Yes, 4.54609 litres is the official conversion factor for one UK (Imperial) Gallon.