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Fuel Consumption Calculator

Calculate fuel economy, cost, and efficiency
Enter your trip details to calculate fuel consumption and costs.
Price per unit of fuel

Enter trip details to calculate fuel consumption.

Fuel Consumption Guide

Understanding Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumption measures how efficiently your vehicle uses fuel. Different regions use different metrics: MPG (US), L/100km (Europe/Asia).

Key Metrics:
  • MPG (Miles per Gallon): Distance traveled per gallon. Higher is better.
  • L/100km (Liters per 100 km): Fuel used per 100 km. Lower is better.
  • Conversion: MPG = 235.215 / L/100km
  • Trip Cost: Total fuel cost for the journey
Typical Fuel Economy:
  • Compact cars: 30-40 MPG (6-8 L/100km)
  • Sedans: 25-35 MPG (7-9 L/100km)
  • SUVs: 20-28 MPG (8-12 L/100km)
  • Trucks: 15-22 MPG (11-16 L/100km)
  • Hybrids: 40-60 MPG (4-6 L/100km)
Improving Fuel Economy:
  • Maintain steady speed (avoid rapid acceleration)
  • Keep tires properly inflated
  • Remove excess weight from vehicle
  • Regular maintenance (oil changes, air filters)
  • Use cruise control on highways

Applications

  • Budget Planning: Estimate fuel costs for trips
  • Vehicle Comparison: Compare efficiency of different cars
  • Expense Tracking: Monitor fuel spending
  • Fleet Management: Track vehicle efficiency
Pro Tips
  • Driving Habits
    Aggressive driving can reduce fuel economy by 15-30%!
  • Speed Matters
    Fuel economy decreases rapidly above 50 mph. Every 5 mph = ~7% more fuel.
  • Track It
    Monitor fuel economy regularly to detect issues early.
Example

Road trip calculation:

  • Distance: 300 miles
  • Fuel used: 12 gallons
  • Fuel price: $3.50/gal
  • MPG: 25
  • L/100km: 9.4
  • Trip cost: $42
  • Cost/mile: $0.14

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I calculate MPG?

A: MPG = Distance traveled (miles) / Fuel used (gallons). For example, if you drove 300 miles and used 12 gallons, MPG = 300/12 = 25 MPG. To track accurately: fill tank, reset trip odometer, drive normally, refill tank and note gallons added, divide miles by gallons.

Q: What's the difference between MPG and L/100km?

A: MPG (miles per gallon) is used in the US - higher is better. L/100km (liters per 100 kilometers) is used in Europe and most other countries - lower is better. They're inversely related: MPG = 235.215 / L/100km. For example, 25 MPG = 9.4 L/100km.

Q: Why is my actual MPG lower than EPA estimates?

A: EPA estimates are tested under ideal conditions. Real-world factors that reduce MPG: city driving (stop-and-go), aggressive acceleration, excessive idling, AC use, cold weather, under-inflated tires, excess weight, and poor maintenance. Actual MPG is typically 10-20% lower than EPA highway estimates.

Q: How can I improve my fuel economy?

A: Top tips: 1) Drive smoothly (avoid rapid acceleration/braking), 2) Maintain steady highway speed (50-60 mph optimal), 3) Keep tires inflated to recommended PSI, 4) Remove roof racks and excess weight, 5) Regular maintenance (oil, air filter, spark plugs), 6) Use cruise control, 7) Avoid excessive idling. These can improve MPG by 10-25%.

Q: Does AC affect fuel economy?

A: Yes, AC can reduce fuel economy by 5-25% depending on conditions. At highway speeds (>45 mph), AC is more efficient than open windows (which increase drag). At low speeds, open windows are better. Modern AC systems are more efficient. Parking in shade and using recirculation mode help reduce AC load.

Q: How do I estimate fuel cost for a trip?

A: Formula: Trip cost = (Distance / MPG) × Fuel price. Example: 500-mile trip, 25 MPG car, $3.50/gal gas: (500/25) × $3.50 = 20 gal × $3.50 = $70. Add 10-15% buffer for city driving or traffic. Use our calculator to get precise estimates including cost per mile.

Disclaimer

Important Notice:

  • This calculator provides estimates based on your input. Actual fuel consumption may vary.
  • Accuracy depends on input: Use accurate distance and fuel measurements for best results. Odometer readings and fuel pump readings may have small errors.
  • Driving conditions vary: City vs highway, weather, traffic, terrain, and driving habits significantly affect fuel economy.
  • Vehicle condition matters: Poor maintenance, worn tires, engine issues, and other mechanical problems reduce fuel economy.
  • Calculations assume consistent conditions. Real-world fuel economy fluctuates trip-to-trip.
  • Fuel prices change: Use current local prices for accurate cost estimates. Prices vary by location and time.
  • This tool is for personal estimation only. Not for official reporting, tax purposes, or business expense claims.
  • EPA ratings are tested under controlled conditions. Expect real-world MPG to be 10-20% lower than EPA highway estimates.
  • For business or fleet use, maintain detailed fuel logs and consult accounting professionals for expense tracking.
  • We are not responsible for any financial losses, inaccurate estimates, or other consequences resulting from the use of this calculator.

Always track actual fuel consumption over multiple fill-ups for accurate averages.

Fuel Consumption

Calculate fuel economy (MPG, L/100km), trip costs, and cost per distance. Track your vehicle's efficiency!

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Fuel Consumption Standards:

What You Get
  • ✓ MPG calculation
  • ✓ L/100km conversion
  • ✓ Total trip cost
  • ✓ Cost per mile/km
  • ✓ Cost per 100 miles/km
Fuel Economy Tips
  • 🚗 Drive smoothly
  • ⚡ Maintain steady speed
  • 🔧 Regular maintenance
  • 🎈 Proper tire pressure
  • 📦 Remove excess weight
Did You Know?

Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration/braking) can lower your gas mileage by 15-30% at highway speeds and 10-40% in stop-and-go traffic!