Fuel Cost Calculator
Enter your trip distance in kilometers, your vehicle's average fuel consumption (liters per 100 kilometers), and the current fuel price per liter in euros. Press the calculate button and see how easily and quickly our fuel cost calculator gives you an accurate estimate of your trip's fuel costs. With these simple instructions, you can plan your trips more efficiently and save money – calculate fuel costs in a flash!
Trip fuel cost:
Fuel Cost Calculator
The fuel cost calculator estimates how much you will spend on gasoline or diesel for any trip or time period. Enter the distance, your vehicle's fuel efficiency, and the current gas price to get an instant cost breakdown.
How to Calculate Fuel Cost
Fuel Needed (gallons) = Distance (miles) ÷ MPG
Trip Cost = Fuel Needed × Price per Gallon
Cost per Mile = Price per Gallon ÷ MPG
Worked Example
You drive 60 miles round-trip to work each day. Your car gets 28 MPG and gas costs $3.50/gallon:
- Daily fuel: 60 ÷ 28 = 2.14 gallons
- Daily cost: 2.14 × $3.50 = $7.50
- Weekly cost (5 days): $37.50
- Monthly cost (22 work days): $165.00
- Annual commute cost: $1,957
U.S. Gas Price History and Averages
Gas prices fluctuate based on crude oil prices, refining costs, taxes, and seasonal demand:
| Year | Avg. Regular Gas ($/gal) | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $2.17 | COVID-19 demand collapse |
| 2021 | $3.01 | Post-pandemic recovery |
| 2022 | $3.97 | Russia-Ukraine war, record highs |
| 2023 | $3.52 | Prices eased from 2022 peak |
| 2024 | $3.40–$3.80 | Moderate fluctuations |
State-by-State Gas Prices
Gas prices vary significantly by state due to taxes, transportation costs, and local regulations:
| State | Avg. Price ($/gal) | State Gas Tax |
|---|---|---|
| California | $4.80+ | 68.1¢ |
| Hawaii | $4.50+ | 16.0¢ + local |
| Washington | $4.20+ | 49.4¢ |
| National Average | $3.50 | 18.4¢ (federal) |
| Texas | $2.90 | 20.0¢ |
| Mississippi | $2.80 | 18.8¢ |
Gasoline vs. Diesel vs. Electric
| Fuel Type | Typical Cost per Mile | Annual Cost (15k mi) |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline (28 MPG) | 12.5¢ | $1,875 |
| Diesel (35 MPG) | 12.6¢ | $1,886 |
| Hybrid (50 MPG) | 7.0¢ | $1,050 |
| Electric (home charging) | 4.5¢ | $672 |
Tips for Saving on Fuel
- Use GasBuddy or Waze — These apps show real-time local gas prices so you can find the cheapest station nearby.
- Fill up early in the week — Gas prices tend to be lowest on Monday and Tuesday, and highest on Thursday and Friday.
- Use warehouse clubs — Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's typically sell gas 20–30 cents below market price.
- Pay with cash — Some stations offer a 5–10 cent discount per gallon for cash vs. credit.
- Avoid premium if not required — Most cars run perfectly on regular 87-octane gas. Check your owner's manual before paying extra for premium.
- Combine errands — A warmed-up engine is more fuel-efficient. Short, separate trips each with a cold start waste gas.
Understanding MPG vs. L/100km
The U.S. uses miles per gallon (MPG) — higher is better. Most of the world uses liters per 100 kilometers (L/100km) — lower is better. To convert:
L/100km = 235.2 ÷ MPG
MPG = 235.2 ÷ L/100km
For example, 30 MPG = 7.84 L/100km.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate fuel cost for a road trip?
Divide the trip distance by your fuel efficiency (MPG) to get gallons needed, then multiply by the price per gallon. Example: 500 miles ÷ 30 MPG × $3.50/gal = $58.33.
What is the difference between MPG and L/100km?
MPG (miles per gallon) is the U.S. measure — higher is better. L/100km (liters per 100 kilometers) is the metric measure — lower is better. To convert: 235.2 ÷ MPG = L/100km.
What is the average gas price in the US?
The national average for regular unleaded gasoline fluctuates between $3.00 and $4.00 per gallon (2024). Prices are highest in California ($4.80+) and lowest in southern states like Mississippi ($2.80).
How much fuel does a car use on a 100-mile trip?
A car getting 30 MPG uses about 3.3 gallons per 100 miles. At 25 MPG it uses 4 gallons, and at 20 MPG it uses 5 gallons.
How can I improve my car's fuel efficiency?
Maintain proper tire pressure, use cruise control on highways, avoid idling, keep up with tune-ups, and remove unnecessary weight from the trunk. These tips can improve MPG by 5–15%.
Related Tools
- Driving Cost Calculator — Calculate the full cost of any drive
- Gas Mileage Calculator — Track and calculate your actual MPG
- Electric Car Trip Cost Calculator — Compare EV costs to gas
- Car Loan Calculator — Estimate monthly car payments
- Savings Goal Calculator — Plan savings from reduced fuel costs