Estimate your gas cost for any road trip — enter distance, MPG, and fuel price.
The math behind this calculator is straightforward. In US units: divide your trip distance (miles) by your vehicle's fuel efficiency (MPG) to find gallons needed, then multiply by the price per gallon.
US Formula: Fuel Cost = (Distance ÷ MPG) × Price per gallon
For metric: multiply your trip distance in km by your L/100km figure, divide by 100 to get litres, then multiply by the price per litre.
Metric Formula: Fuel Cost = (Distance × L/100km ÷ 100) × Price per litre
Example: A 300-mile trip in a car getting 30 MPG at $3.50/gal costs (300 ÷ 30) × $3.50 = 10 gallons × $3.50 = $35.00. Verify: 300/30 = 10, 10×3.50 = 35. Correct.
| Vehicle type | Typical MPG (highway) | L/100km equiv. |
|---|---|---|
| Compact sedan (e.g. Honda Civic) | 35–42 MPG | 5.6–6.7 L/100km |
| Mid-size sedan (e.g. Toyota Camry) | 32–38 MPG | 6.2–7.4 L/100km |
| SUV / crossover (e.g. Ford Escape) | 26–32 MPG | 7.4–9.1 L/100km |
| Full-size SUV / truck (e.g. F-150) | 18–24 MPG | 9.8–13.1 L/100km |
| Hybrid (e.g. Toyota Prius) | 48–57 MPG | 4.1–4.9 L/100km |
| EV equivalent (energy cost) | 90–130 MPGe | 1.8–2.6 L/100km equiv. |
Highway figures. City driving typically reduces efficiency by 15–25%. Check your car's EPA label or manufacturer specs for exact values.
Gas prices fluctuate constantly. As of mid-2025, US national average regular unleaded prices typically range from $3.20–$4.20 per gallon depending on state. California and Hawaii tend to be highest; southern and midwestern states are usually lowest. Check GasBuddy or the AAA fuel gauge for real-time local prices before your trip.
In the UK, unleaded petrol averages around £1.45–£1.60 per litre. In continental Europe prices typically range from €1.50–€1.90 per litre for unleaded.
Divide the trip distance (miles) by your car's MPG to get gallons needed, then multiply by the price per gallon. Formula: Cost = (Distance ÷ MPG) × Price per gallon. For metric, use: Cost = (Distance in km × L/100km ÷ 100) × Price per litre.
Most modern sedans achieve 28–38 MPG on highways, making them efficient choices. Hybrid vehicles reach 45–57 MPG. SUVs typically get 22–32 MPG. The higher the MPG, the lower your fuel cost per mile.
Maintain steady speeds of 55–65 mph, use cruise control, keep tires properly inflated, remove roof racks when unused, and use apps like GasBuddy to find cheaper stations along your route.
Yes, significantly. Driving at 75 mph instead of 60 mph increases fuel consumption by 20–25% due to aerodynamic drag. For a 500-mile trip at 30 MPG, that difference adds roughly $5–7 in extra fuel costs.
Divide 235.21 by the MPG value to get L/100km. Example: 30 MPG = 235.21 ÷ 30 = 7.84 L/100km. To go the other direction, divide 235.21 by L/100km to get MPG.