Fuel Burn Rate Calculator
Calculate hourly consumption for aviation, marine, or machinery.
Gallons or Liters
Whole hours
0 to 59
Gallons (GPH)
Liters (LPH)
Pounds (PPH)
Kilograms (KPH)
Your Calculated Burn Rate is:
Understanding Fuel Burn Rate
The fuel burn rate is a critical metric for pilots, boaters, and fleet managers. It represents the volume of fuel consumed by an engine over a specific period, typically measured in Gallons Per Hour (GPH) or Liters Per Hour (LPH).
The Formula
Burn Rate = Total Fuel Consumed / Total Time (in hours)
How to Calculate Fuel Burn Step-by-Step
- Note the Start: Start with a full tank or record the exact fuel level before beginning the operation.
- Track Time: Record the exact duration of the trip or engine operation. Convert minutes into decimals (e.g., 30 minutes is 0.5 hours).
- Measure Consumption: At the end, refill the tank to the same level or check the remaining fuel to determine exactly how much was used.
- Divide: Divide the fuel used by the total decimal hours.
Example Calculation
Imagine a light aircraft consumes 45 gallons of AvGas during a flight lasting 3 hours and 45 minutes.
- Step 1: Convert time to decimal: 3 + (45/60) = 3.75 hours.
- Step 2: Divide fuel by time: 45 / 3.75.
- Result: 12 Gallons Per Hour (GPH).
Why is this important?
Accurate fuel burn calculations are vital for:
- Safety: Ensuring you have enough fuel (plus reserves) to reach your destination.
- Budgeting: Estimating the operational costs of a trip or business task.
- Engine Health: An unexpected increase in fuel burn can signal mechanical issues, such as fuel leaks or engine inefficiency.