Fuel Cost Calculator
Calculate fuel cost for any trip and compare two vehicles to see annual savings.
Quick Answer
Trip fuel cost = (Distance ÷ MPG) × Price per gallon. A 500-mile trip at 28 MPG with $3.50/gal fuel costs about $62.50. Driving 12,000 miles per year at that rate costs about $1,500 annually.
Trip Details
Results
$62.50
Trip Cost
17.9
Gallons Used
$1500
Annual Cost (12K mi)
429
Annual Gallons
Vehicle Comparison (35 MPG vs 28 MPG)
$50.00
Trip Cost
$1200
Annual Cost
$300/yr
Annual Savings
About This Tool
The Fuel Cost Calculator helps you estimate the cost of fuel for any trip based on distance, your vehicle’s fuel economy, and current fuel prices. It also projects annual fuel costs based on 12,000 miles of driving per year, which is the national average. The comparison feature lets you see exactly how much you would save by switching to a more fuel-efficient vehicle.
Understanding MPG Ratings
The EPA fuel economy ratings on new vehicle window stickers represent a combined city and highway estimate tested under controlled conditions. Real-world MPG varies based on driving style, terrain, weather, tire pressure, and vehicle maintenance. Most drivers get 10-15% lower fuel economy than the EPA rating. Highway driving typically yields 20-30% better MPG than city driving due to fewer stops and more efficient cruising speeds.
The Gallons Per Mile Perspective
Thinking in gallons per mile rather than miles per gallon reveals the true savings of efficiency improvements. Upgrading from 15 MPG to 20 MPG saves 1.67 gallons per 100 miles. Upgrading from 30 MPG to 35 MPG saves only 0.48 gallons per 100 miles. The biggest savings come from improving the least efficient vehicles, not from squeezing extra MPG from already-efficient ones. This is known as the MPG illusion.
Regional Fuel Price Variation
Fuel prices vary significantly by region. California, Hawaii, and the Pacific Northwest consistently have the highest gas prices in the US, often $1-2 per gallon above the national average. Gulf Coast states and the Midwest typically have the lowest prices. Planning a road trip through lower-cost states or filling up before entering expensive areas can save meaningful money on long trips.