How Do I Calculate My Mpg

MPG Fuel Efficiency Calculator

Calculate your vehicle's miles per gallon and fuel costs

Distance since your last fill-up

Fuel volume required to fill tank

$

Price per gallon to calculate cost per mile

Your Fuel Economy

0.00 MPG

Cost per Mile: $0.00

Please enter valid positive numbers for both miles and gallons.

How Do I Calculate My MPG?

Calculating your vehicle's fuel efficiency is the best way to monitor engine health and manage your travel budget. Miles Per Gallon (MPG) represents how far your car can travel on a single gallon of fuel.

The Step-by-Step Odometer Method

To get an accurate reading, follow these four simple steps:

1. Fill your tank: Visit the gas station and fill your tank until the pump clicks off. Reset your "Trip Meter" to zero.
2. Drive normally: Go about your daily commute until you are ready for your next fill-up.
3. Refill and Record: Go back to the gas station. Note the number of miles on your trip meter and exactly how many gallons it takes to fill the tank again.
4. Do the Math: Divide the miles driven by the gallons consumed.

MPG Calculation Formula:

Miles Driven ÷ Gallons Used = MPG

A Realistic Example

Let's say you drove 315 miles since your last visit to the pump. When you refill your tank, the pump shows you added 10.5 gallons of gasoline. Using the formula:

315 Miles / 10.5 Gallons = 30 MPG

If gas cost you $3.50 per gallon, you can also determine your cost per mile by dividing the gas price by your MPG ($3.50 / 30 = $0.116 per mile).

Why Your MPG Changes

Several factors can cause your fuel efficiency to fluctuate:

• Tire Pressure: Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance.
• Driving Habits: Aggressive acceleration and heavy braking waste fuel.
• Payload: Carrying heavy items in the trunk or roof racks reduces efficiency.
• Maintenance: Old spark plugs or clogged air filters can force the engine to work harder.
• Idle Time: Sitting in traffic with the engine running yields 0 MPG.

MPG