Driving Cost Calculator
Enter the trip distance, car consumption, fuel price per liter, and estimated annual kilometers. The calculator shows the trip cost, required fuel amount, cost per kilometer, and annual costs.
Trip fuel cost
Fuel needed
Cost per mile
Annual fuel cost
How is fuel cost calculated?
Fuel consumption is often reported as liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) or miles per gallon (MPG). The trip cost is obtained by multiplying the required fuel amount by the fuel price.
Formulas:
Fuel = (distance km ÷ 100) × consumption L/100 km
Cost = fuel × price €/l
Km-cost = (consumption ÷ 100) × price
Typical consumption values
| Car type | Consumption (L/100 km) | Km-price (1.85 €/l) |
|---|---|---|
| Small city car (gasoline) | 5–6 L | 9–11 cents/km |
| Mid-size family car | 6–8 L | 11–15 cents/km |
| SUV / off-road | 8–11 L | 15–20 cents/km |
| Diesel car (medium) | 5–7 L | 8–12 cents/km |
| Hybrid | 4–6 L | 7–11 cents/km |
Comparison of annual costs
Fuel consumption has a significant impact on annual costs. For example, someone driving 15,000 km/year:
- 5 L/100 km → 1,388 €/year (at 1.85 €/l)
- 8 L/100 km → 2,220 €/year
- 11 L/100 km → 3,053 €/year
The difference between a small and large car can be over 1,600 € per year in fuel costs alone.
Tips for reducing consumption
- Steady driving style — fast accelerations and braking increase consumption by up to 30%
- Tire pressure — low pressure increases consumption by 0.3–0.5 L/100 km
- Anticipatory driving — look far ahead and let the car slow down on its own
- Air conditioning — increases consumption by 0.5–1.5 L/100 km; use judiciously
- Winter time — winter tires and cold engine increase consumption by 1–3 L/100 km
Other calculators
- Fuel Cost Calculator — calculate fuel costs per fill-up or monthly
- Electric Car Trip Cost Calculator — compare electric car kWh costs to gasoline