Fuel Cost Calculator
Estimate the fuel cost of a trip from the distance, your vehicle's fuel economy and the price of fuel.
Estimate the fuel cost of any trip
The Fuel Cost Calculator tells you how much fuel a journey will use and what it will cost, based on the distance, your vehicle's fuel economy, and the price of fuel. It supports both metric (L/100km) and imperial (MPG) economy figures, so it works wherever you drive.
How it works
In metric mode, fuel used is distance ÷ 100 × (L/100km). In MPG mode, it's distance ÷ MPG gallons. Multiply the fuel used by the price per unit and you get the trip cost. The calculator does this instantly, so you can budget a journey or compare routes and vehicles in seconds.
How to use it
- Choose L/100km or MPG.
- Enter the distance, your fuel economy, and the price of fuel.
- Read the total cost and the amount of fuel needed.
Understanding fuel economy
| Measure | Lower is… |
|---|---|
| L/100km | Better (uses less fuel) |
| MPG | Worse — higher MPG is better |
These two measures run in opposite directions, which often confuses people: with L/100km a smaller number is more efficient, but with MPG a bigger number is more efficient. The calculator handles whichever your car reports.
Save on fuel
- Drive smoothly — harsh acceleration and braking waste fuel.
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure.
- Remove excess weight and roof racks when not needed.
- Combine trips — a warm engine is more efficient.
Planning trips and budgets
Use the calculator to compare the cost of driving versus other transport, split fuel costs fairly among passengers, or estimate the running cost of a commute over a week or month. It's also handy when comparing a more efficient vehicle — small economy gains add up over thousands of miles.
Private and free
All calculations run in your browser — nothing is uploaded. The tool is completely free with no sign-up.
Frequently asked questions
Does it support MPG and metric?
Yes. Choose L/100km or MPG, and enter distance and price in the matching units.
How is the cost calculated?
It works out the fuel used for the distance at your economy, then multiplies by the price per liter or gallon.
Is lower L/100km better?
Yes — with L/100km lower is more efficient, while with MPG higher is more efficient.
Is it free?
Yes, completely free with no sign-up, running entirely in your browser.