Fuel Cost Calculator

Trip distance, fuel efficiency, and gas price — the total cost.

mi
mpg
$
Total fuel cost
$62.50
Gallons needed
17.86

Real-world fuel efficiency often runs lower than the EPA-rated mpg, especially with highway speeds, AC use, or a loaded vehicle — pad the estimate a bit for a more realistic trip budget.

A worked example

A 500-mile trip at 25 mpg and $3.50 per gallon needs 20 gallons of fuel — exactly $70.

Frequently asked questions

Why might my actual fuel cost differ from this estimate?

Highway speeds, headwinds, AC use, a loaded vehicle, and aggressive driving can all push real-world fuel economy below the EPA-rated figure — actual costs commonly run 10-20% higher than calculations based on the sticker mpg.

How can I find my vehicle's actual mpg instead of guessing?

Use the Gas Mileage Calculator with data from a recent fill-up — tracking your own real mileage gives a more accurate number than relying on advertised EPA figures.