Calculate trip fuel costs, annual fuel expenses, and cost per mile for your vehicle
Fuel costs represent a significant portion of vehicle operating expenses. Understanding your fuel consumption and costs helps with budgeting, trip planning, and making informed decisions about vehicle purchases or driving habits.
This calculator helps you estimate fuel costs for specific trips and provides annual fuel expense projections based on average driving patterns. Use it to compare vehicles, plan road trips, or track your fuel budget over time.
Miles per gallon (MPG) measures how far your vehicle travels on one gallon of fuel. Higher MPG means lower fuel costs. City driving typically yields lower MPG than highway driving due to frequent stops and acceleration.
Fuel prices vary by location, season, and market conditions. Regular gasoline is typically cheapest, while premium and diesel fuel cost more. Check local gas stations or apps like GasBuddy for current prices in your area.
Total miles driven directly impacts fuel costs. The average American drives about 12,000-15,000 miles per year. Longer commutes, frequent road trips, or delivery driving significantly increase annual fuel expenses.
City driving with frequent stops uses more fuel than highway cruising. Traffic congestion, weather conditions, terrain (hills vs. flat roads), and vehicle load also affect fuel efficiency and overall costs.
| Vehicle Type | Avg MPG | Annual Miles | Annual Cost ($3.50/gal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact Car | 32 MPG | 12,000 | $1,313 |
| Midsize Sedan | 28 MPG | 12,000 | $1,500 |
| SUV | 22 MPG | 12,000 | $1,909 |
| Pickup Truck | 20 MPG | 12,000 | $2,100 |
| Hybrid | 50 MPG | 12,000 | $840 |
| Electric Vehicle | N/A (120 MPGe) | 12,000 | $540 (electricity) |
Scenario: 400-mile round trip in a sedan getting 28 MPG, gas at $3.50/gallon
Calculation: 400 miles ÷ 28 MPG = 14.29 gallons × $3.50 = $50.00
Total Trip Cost: $50.00
Scenario: 30-mile daily commute (60 miles round trip), 22 workdays/month, SUV at 22 MPG, gas at $3.50/gallon
Calculation: 60 miles × 22 days = 1,320 miles/month ÷ 22 MPG = 60 gallons × $3.50 = $210/month
Monthly Commute Cost: $210.00
Scenario: 15,000 annual miles, comparing 28 MPG sedan vs. 50 MPG hybrid, gas at $3.50/gallon
Regular Car: 15,000 ÷ 28 = 536 gallons × $3.50 = $1,875/year
Hybrid: 15,000 ÷ 50 = 300 gallons × $3.50 = $1,050/year
Annual Savings with Hybrid: $825