.mpg-calc-container {
font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
max-width: 600px;
margin: 20px auto;
padding: 25px;
border: 1px solid #e1e1e1;
border-radius: 8px;
background-color: #ffffff;
box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);
}
.mpg-calc-container h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
text-align: center;
margin-top: 0;
}
.mpg-input-group {
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.mpg-input-group label {
display: block;
margin-bottom: 5px;
font-weight: 600;
color: #333;
}
.mpg-input-group input {
width: 100%;
padding: 10px;
border: 1px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 4px;
box-sizing: border-box;
font-size: 16px;
}
.mpg-btn {
width: 100%;
background-color: #27ae60;
color: white;
padding: 12px;
border: none;
border-radius: 4px;
cursor: pointer;
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: bold;
transition: background-color 0.3s;
}
.mpg-btn:hover {
background-color: #219150;
}
.mpg-result-box {
margin-top: 20px;
padding: 15px;
background-color: #f9f9f9;
border-radius: 4px;
border-left: 5px solid #27ae60;
display: none;
}
.mpg-result-box h3 {
margin: 0 0 10px 0;
color: #2c3e50;
}
.mpg-stat {
font-size: 18px;
margin-bottom: 5px;
}
.mpg-stat span {
font-weight: bold;
color: #27ae60;
}
.mpg-article {
max-width: 800px;
margin: 40px auto;
line-height: 1.6;
color: #444;
}
.mpg-article h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
border-bottom: 2px solid #27ae60;
padding-bottom: 10px;
}
.mpg-article h3 {
color: #2c3e50;
margin-top: 25px;
}
.mpg-example {
background-color: #f1f8e9;
padding: 15px;
border-radius: 4px;
font-style: italic;
}
Understanding Miles Per Gallon (MPG)
Miles Per Gallon, commonly referred to as MPG, is the standard measurement of a vehicle's fuel efficiency in the United States. It represents how many miles a car can travel using exactly one gallon of fuel. Monitoring your MPG is one of the most effective ways to track your vehicle's health and manage your monthly transportation budget.
How to Calculate MPG Manually
While our calculator handles the math for you, the formula is straightforward:
MPG = Total Miles Driven / Total Gallons Used
To get an accurate reading, follow these steps:
- Fill your tank completely and reset your trip odometer to zero.
- Drive as you normally would until you need to refuel.
- Note the miles on the trip odometer and the exact number of gallons it takes to fill the tank back up.
- Divide the miles by the gallons.
Why Your Fuel Economy Matters
Tracking your fuel efficiency serves two primary purposes. First, it helps you identify mechanical issues early. If your MPG suddenly drops by 20% without a change in driving habits, it could indicate low tire pressure, a clogged air filter, or failing oxygen sensors. Second, it allows for accurate trip planning and budgeting, especially during periods of fluctuating fuel prices.
Realistic Calculation Example
Imagine you took a weekend road trip. You started with a full tank and a reset odometer. By the time you returned, your odometer read 315 miles. You went to the gas station and it took 10.5 gallons to fill the tank.
Calculation: 315 / 10.5 = 30 MPG.
If gas cost $3.50 per gallon, your total cost was $36.75, and your cost per mile was approximately $0.12.
Tips for Improving Your MPG
Maximizing your fuel economy doesn't always require a new car. Simple changes can make a big difference:
- Maintain Tire Pressure: Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance.
- Avoid Excessive Idling: If you're stopped for more than a minute, it's usually more efficient to turn off the engine.
- Drive Smoothly: Rapid acceleration and hard braking can lower your gas mileage by up to 30% on the highway.
- Reduce Weight: Carrying unnecessary heavy items in your trunk forces the engine to work harder.
function calculateMPG() {
var miles = parseFloat(document.getElementById('milesDriven').value);
var gallons = parseFloat(document.getElementById('gallonsUsed').value);
var price = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fuelPrice').value);
var resultBox = document.getElementById('mpgResultBox');
var mpgValue = document.getElementById('mpgValue');
var costSection = document.getElementById('costSection');
var costPerMile = document.getElementById('costPerMile');
var totalTripCost = document.getElementById('totalTripCost');
if (isNaN(miles) || isNaN(gallons) || gallons <= 0 || miles 0) {
var totalCost = gallons * price;
var perMile = totalCost / miles;
costPerMile.innerHTML = "$" + perMile.toFixed(2);
totalTripCost.innerHTML = "$" + totalCost.toFixed(2);
costSection.style.display = "block";
} else {
costSection.style.display = "none";
}
resultBox.style.display = "block";
}