Fuel Cost Calculator
Calculate how much any trip costs. Gasoline, diesel, LPG, electric. CO2 emissions, vehicle comparison, and cost per person.
Distance & vehicle
Enter distance, consumption, and fuel type
Fuel price
Enter the price per liter or gallon
See your costs
Total cost, per mile, CO2, and split bill
Fuel Cost Calculator
📊 Fuel Comparison
For the same distance — enter data above to see comparison
| Fuel | Economy | Used | Cost | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enter distance and price to see comparison | ||||
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The basic formula for every fuel type
For gasoline, diesel, and LPG: (distance ÷ MPG) × price per gallon (imperial) or (distance ÷ 100) × consumption (L/100km) × price per liter (metric). For electric vehicles: (distance ÷ miles per kWh) × price per kWh. Our calculator automatically applies the correct formula based on your selected fuel type and unit system.
Real-world fuel consumption in 2026: what to expect
Manufacturer-stated MPG figures are often optimistic. In real driving, a gasoline car averages 25-32 MPG in mixed conditions (vs 30-38 stated). Diesel cars get 15-20% better economy. LPG uses about 15% more fuel by volume but costs roughly half the price per gallon. Electric cars average 3-4 miles per kWh in summer but drop to 2.5-3.5 in winter due to heating demands.
Gas prices across the US and Europe
Gas prices vary significantly by region. In the US (2026), regular gas averages $3.30-3.70/gallon, with California often above $4.50 and the South/Midwest below $3.20. In Europe, fuel is priced per liter: €1.75-1.85/L in Italy, €1.55-1.65 in Germany, €1.65-1.75 in France, and £1.45-1.55 in the UK. Use the quick-price buttons in the calculator to compare costs across countries.
How to cut your trip fuel costs
Beyond fuel-efficient driving (steady speed, inflated tires, no excess weight), there are practical ways to save: carpooling splits costs 2-4 ways, comparing gas stations can save up to $0.30/gallon in the same area, filling up in cheaper states or countries on road trips, and considering LPG or EV for high-mileage drivers. Use the “Number of passengers” feature to see real per-person savings.
Environmental impact: CO2 and alternatives
An average gasoline car emits about 404 grams of CO2 per mile (251 g/km). A 300-mile road trip produces roughly 120 kg of CO2 — equivalent to what a tree absorbs in over 5 years. Electric cars eliminate direct emissions, and LPG reduces them by about 35% versus gasoline. The calculator shows exact emissions for every trip and the tree-equivalent needed to offset them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate fuel cost for a trip?
Use the formula: (distance / MPG) × price per gallon. Or in metric: (distance / 100) × consumption (L/100km) × price per liter. Example: a 200-mile trip at 30 MPG with gas at $3.50/gal costs (200/30) × 3.50 = $23.33.
Gas vs diesel vs electric: which is cheapest per mile?
Electric vehicles are cheapest per mile (~$0.04/mi), followed by diesel (~$0.11/mi), then gasoline (~$0.12/mi). However, EVs have higher purchase prices. For high-mileage drivers (15,000+ miles/year), EVs save significantly on fuel costs over time.
How do I calculate CO2 emissions from driving?
Each gallon of gasoline produces about 8.89 kg (19.6 lbs) of CO2. Diesel produces 10.18 kg per gallon. A 200-mile trip at 30 MPG emits: 6.67 gal × 8.89 = 59.3 kg of CO2. Electric vehicles produce zero direct emissions.
How much does gas cost per mile?
With average US gas at $3.50/gallon and 30 MPG, the cost is about $0.12 per mile. At 25 MPG it's $0.14/mi, at 35 MPG it's $0.10/mi. Use this calculator with your actual consumption and price for a precise figure.
How to save fuel on a road trip?
Top tips: maintain steady speed (cruise control), keep tires properly inflated, reduce weight and drag, avoid idling, plan route to avoid traffic. Driving at 55-65 mph instead of 75+ can improve fuel economy by 15-25%.
Is it cheaper to drive or fly for long trips?
For a solo traveler, flying is often cheaper for distances over 500 miles. But with 2+ passengers, driving usually wins: a 600-mile road trip costs ~$70 in gas split two ways ($35/person) vs $150+ per flight. Factor in car rental, tolls, and parking for a complete comparison. Use our calculator with the passenger split feature.
How does city vs highway driving affect fuel cost?
City driving uses 30-50% more fuel than highway due to constant braking and acceleration. A car rated at 30 MPG highway may only get 20-22 MPG in city traffic. The exception: hybrid and electric cars are actually more efficient in cities thanks to regenerative braking, reversing the pattern.
Is LPG worth converting to? How much can I save?
LPG costs roughly half the price of gasoline per gallon. Even though fuel consumption is about 15% higher, the net savings are 35-45% per mile. An LPG conversion costs $1,500-2,500 and pays for itself in roughly 15,000-25,000 miles. For high-mileage drivers, LPG is the most affordable alternative after electric.
How much does a full tank of gas cost in 2026?
With US average gas prices around $3.30-3.70/gallon in 2026, a 15-gallon fill-up costs roughly $50-55. In California, expect $4.50+/gal ($67+ per tank). In Europe, prices are higher per volume: a 50-liter tank in Italy costs about €87-92. Use this calculator with your local price for an exact estimate.
How much does it cost to drive a car per year?
Based on 12,000 miles/year (US average), a gasoline car at 30 MPG and $3.50/gal costs about $1,400/year in fuel. A diesel at 35 MPG costs ~$1,303, and an electric at 3.3 mi/kWh about $473. Add insurance, maintenance, and depreciation for total cost of ownership. Our calculator shows annual fuel projections automatically.
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