How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the total distance of your trip in miles.
- Input your vehicle's fuel efficiency in miles per gallon (MPG). This can typically be found in your vehicle's manual or on a fuel economy sticker.
- Enter the current price of fuel per gallon in your area.
- Click the "Calculate" button to see the estimated fuel cost and amount of fuel needed for your trip.
- Use the "Reset" button to clear all inputs and start over.
Understanding the Calculation
The calculator uses the formula:
Fuel Cost = (Distance ÷ Efficiency) × Price
This means it first calculates how many gallons of fuel you'll need (Distance ÷ Efficiency), then multiplies that by the cost per gallon to find the total fuel cost.
Practical Tips
- For more accurate results, use the average fuel efficiency of your vehicle rather than the absolute best or worst mileage it can achieve.
- Consider adding a buffer to your distance estimate if you're not sure about the exact route.
- This calculator provides estimates - actual costs may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.