Fuel Economy Converter
Convert between MPG (US), MPG (UK), L/100km, and km/L. Compare US and European fuel economy standards side by side.
Quick Answer
30 MPG (US) = 36 MPG (UK) = 7.84 L/100km = 12.75 km/L. To convert MPG to L/100km: divide 235.215 by your MPG value. Higher MPG = lower L/100km = better fuel economy.
Convert Fuel Economy
Enter a value and select units. Note: L/100km is an inverse scale (lower = more efficient).
All Equivalents
| Miles per Gallon (US) (MPG (US)) | 30 |
| Miles per Gallon (UK) (MPG (UK)) | 36.03 |
| Liters per 100 km (L/100km) | 7.84 |
| Kilometers per Liter (km/L) | 12.75 |
Vehicle Fuel Economy Comparison
How different vehicle types compare in US and EU measurements.
| Vehicle Type | MPG (US) | MPG (UK) | L/100km | km/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large SUV / Truck Ford F-150, Chevy Tahoe class | 18 | 21.62 | 13.07 | 7.65 |
| Midsize Sedan Toyota Camry, Honda Accord class | 32 | 38.43 | 7.35 | 13.6 |
| Compact Car Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla class | 36 | 43.23 | 6.53 | 15.31 |
| Hybrid Toyota Prius, Honda Insight class | 50 | 60.05 | 4.7 | 21.26 |
| Plug-in Hybrid Combined MPGe (Toyota RAV4 Prime class) | 90 | 108.09 | 2.61 | 38.26 |
About This Tool
The Fuel Economy Converter helps you translate fuel efficiency ratings between the four most common measurement systems used worldwide. Whether you are comparing vehicles listed in different markets, calculating trip fuel costs, or understanding international fuel economy standards, this tool provides instant conversions with a comparison reference table.
US vs European Fuel Economy Standards
The US measures fuel economy in miles per gallon (MPG), where higher is better. Europe and most other countries use liters per 100 kilometers (L/100km), where lower is better. This inverse relationship can be confusing: a car rated at 30 MPG (US) uses 7.84 L/100km, while a car rated at 50 MPG (US) uses only 4.7 L/100km. The EU has been tightening fleet-wide emission targets, with a 2025 target of approximately 4.1 L/100km (57 MPG) for new passenger cars.
Why US and UK MPG Are Different
The US gallon (3.785 liters) is smaller than the Imperial gallon (4.546 liters) used in the UK. This means UK MPG numbers are always about 20% higher than US MPG for the same vehicle. A car rated at 30 MPG in the US would be rated at approximately 36 MPG in the UK. Always verify which gallon standard is being used when comparing international fuel economy figures.
The Non-Linear Nature of Fuel Savings
Improving from 15 to 20 MPG saves more fuel than improving from 35 to 40 MPG for the same distance driven. This is because MPG has a non-linear relationship with fuel consumption. Going from 15 to 20 MPG over 10,000 miles saves 167 gallons, while going from 35 to 40 MPG saves only 36 gallons. L/100km is more intuitive for comparing fuel savings because it scales linearly with consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert MPG to L/100km?
What is the difference between US MPG and UK MPG?
Why does Europe use L/100km instead of MPG?
What is considered good fuel economy?
How do I calculate annual fuel cost from MPG?
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