Fuel Cost Calculator
Calculate trip fuel cost, cost per mile/km, fuel efficiency (MPG/L per 100km), distance, and fuel needed with step-by-step solutions.
Input
Result
Visualization
Step-by-Step Solution
Calculate Fuel Cost
Select a calculation type and enter values to see results with detailed step-by-step solutions.
Complete User Guide
What is Fuel Cost Calculator?
The Fuel Cost Calculator is a comprehensive tool for calculating fuel-related expenses and efficiency metrics. It helps you estimate trip costs, determine fuel efficiency (MPG or L/100km), calculate distances, and convert between different units. This calculator is essential for trip planning, budgeting, and understanding your vehicle's fuel economy.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select a calculation type from the dropdown (Total Cost, Cost Per Distance, Fuel Efficiency, Distance, Fuel Needed, or Unit Conversions).
- Enter the required values in the input form.
- Select appropriate units for your inputs and desired result.
- Click 'Calculate' to see the results.
- Review the detailed results, visualizations, and step-by-step solution.
Calculation Types
Calculate Total Cost
Calculate the total fuel cost for a trip. Enter distance, fuel efficiency (MPG or L/100km), and fuel price. Formula: Cost = (Distance / Efficiency) × Price.
Calculate Cost Per Distance
Calculate fuel cost per mile or kilometer. Enter fuel efficiency and price. Formula: Cost per distance = Price / Efficiency.
Calculate Fuel Efficiency
Calculate fuel efficiency (MPG or L/100km) from distance traveled and fuel used. Formula: Efficiency = Distance / Fuel.
Calculate Distance
Calculate distance that can be traveled with a given amount of fuel and efficiency. Formula: Distance = Fuel × Efficiency.
Calculate Fuel Needed
Calculate fuel needed for a specific distance. Enter distance and fuel efficiency. Formula: Fuel = Distance / Efficiency.
Convert Units
Convert between distance units (miles/km) and fuel volume units (gallons/liters).
Fuel Efficiency Formulas
MPG (Miles Per Gallon):
MPG = Distance (miles) / Fuel (gallons)
L/100km (Liters Per 100 Kilometers):
L/100km = (Fuel (liters) / Distance (km)) × 100
Conversion:
- MPG = 235.214 / (L/100km)
- L/100km = 235.214 / MPG
MPG (Miles Per Gallon) is the US standard for measuring fuel efficiency, representing how many miles a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. L/100km (Liters Per 100 Kilometers) is the metric standard, representing how many liters of fuel are needed to travel 100 kilometers. Lower L/100km values indicate better fuel efficiency.
Supported Units
Distance Units
- miles (US standard)
- km (Kilometers - Metric standard)
Fuel Volume Units
- gallons (US standard)
- liters (Metric standard)
Fuel Efficiency Units
- MPG (Miles Per Gallon)
- L/100km (Liters Per 100 Kilometers)
Price Units
- per gallon (USD per gallon)
- per liter (USD per liter)
Typical Fuel Efficiency Values
| Vehicle Type | MPG | L/100km | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Car | 45-60 | 3.9-5.2 | Excellent fuel economy |
| Economy Car | 30-40 | 5.9-7.8 | Good fuel economy |
| SUV/Truck | 15-25 | 9.4-15.7 | Moderate fuel economy |
| Sports Car | 15-25 | 9.4-15.7 | Lower fuel economy |
Important Notes
- All input values must be positive numbers (non-negative).
- Fuel efficiency must be greater than zero for all calculations.
- Distance and fuel used must be greater than zero when used in efficiency calculations.
- The calculator automatically handles unit conversions between imperial and metric systems.
- MPG and L/100km are inversely related - higher MPG means lower L/100km.
- Fuel prices can vary significantly by location and time.
- Actual fuel efficiency may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle maintenance, and driving habits.
- Results are displayed with step-by-step solutions showing the calculation process.
Common Applications
- Trip planning and budget estimation
- Comparing fuel costs between different vehicles
- Tracking fuel efficiency over time
- Determining fuel needed for long-distance travel
- Calculating cost per mile for business expenses
- Understanding vehicle fuel economy
- Planning fuel stops for road trips