Fuel Cost Calculator
Trip cost from miles, MPG and fuel price. Add trips per month for a monthly and annual estimate.
Inputs
Result
Trip fuel cost
$40.00
10 gal · monthly $40.00 · annual $480.00
Visual breakdown
Gallons
10
Trip cost
$40.00
Monthly
$40.00
Annual
$480.00
Formula
Gallons = miles ÷ MPG. Trip cost = gallons × fuel price. Monthly = trip cost × trips per month. Annual = monthly × 12.
Example
300 mi at 30 MPG and $4/gal = 10 gal × $4 = $40 trip fuel.
Related: Commute cost · Total ownership · Monthly budget
How to use
- Use a real-world MPG, not the EPA sticker number, if you can.
- For one-off trips, leave trips per month at 1.
- For recurring drives, set trips per month so the monthly/annual cost is meaningful.
When it's useful
- Pricing a road trip.
- Comparing two cars by fuel cost.
- Estimating monthly gas budget.
Common examples
300 mi @ 30 mpg @ $4
10 gallons → $40 trip fuel.
1,000 mi road trip @ 28 mpg
≈ 35.7 gal — $143 at $4/gal.
MPG difference
25 → 35 mpg saves ~28% on fuel.
Frequently asked
Should I use highway or city MPG?
Use whichever matches the trip — or take the average of city/highway for mixed driving.
Does this account for traffic and AC?
No — those reduce real MPG. Adjust your MPG input down 5–15% for honest estimates in heavy traffic.
What about EVs?
Replace MPG with miles per kWh and fuel price with $/kWh for an equivalent estimate.
People also calculate
More money & work →Estimates only — actual cost varies with driving conditions and prices.