Fuel Cost Calculator

How to use this calculator

Enter Miles driven, Miles per gallon, Price per gallon ($). The result updates in your browser as you edit an input. The prefilled values are examples only.

How the estimate works

Divide miles by MPG to find gallons and multiply by price per gallon.

What can change the answer?

Your observed MPG may differ from the rated number because of traffic, weather, vehicle condition, and driving style. Use a recent fuel receipt if available.

Before relying on the result

Check that the figures use the same units and period. Compare the result against a current label, quote, contract, employer policy, or official dataset when appropriate. This estimate does not include factors you have not entered.

Further reference

For source data or a more detailed method, see U.S. Department of Energy: vehicle cost comparison. The calculator does not automatically import data from this source.

Worked example with the default inputs

At 12,000 miles and 30 MPG, a vehicle uses 400 gallons. With an illustrative $3.50 gallon price, spending is $1,400. Keep miles and efficiency on the same reporting period.

Interpret the result in a planning record

The fuel cost calculator divides miles driven by miles per gallon and multiplies by the entered price per gallon. Use a recent receipt or a clearly labeled comparison price. Rated MPG and your own driving MPG can differ because of traffic, weather and vehicle condition. Keep the distance period consistent when comparing two results.

Save the input values, units and result together. Change one uncertain input at a time so you can see which assumption moves the answer. A displayed decimal is arithmetic precision, rather than evidence that the measurements or rates are equally precise.

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Read the How to Compare Gas and EV Energy Costs Fairly guide →