Calculate your vehicle's miles per gallon (MPG) and fuel efficiency with unit conversions
Miles per gallon (MPG) is the standard measure of fuel efficiency in the United States, indicating how many miles a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. Higher MPG values mean better fuel economy and lower fuel costs. Understanding your vehicle's MPG helps you budget for fuel expenses, compare vehicle efficiency, and identify potential maintenance issues that may be affecting performance.
MPG = Miles Driven ÷ Gallons Used. To get an accurate reading, fill your tank completely, record the odometer reading, drive normally until you need to refuel, then fill the tank again and note the gallons added and new odometer reading.
In countries using the metric system, fuel efficiency is measured in kilometers per liter (km/L) or liters per 100 kilometers (L/100km). Our calculator automatically converts your MPG to these units for international comparison.
| Vehicle Type | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact Car | 28-32 | 35-40 | 30-35 |
| Midsize Sedan | 24-28 | 32-36 | 27-31 |
| SUV | 18-22 | 24-28 | 20-25 |
| Pickup Truck | 15-19 | 20-24 | 17-21 |
| Hybrid Car | 45-55 | 40-50 | 42-52 |
| Electric Vehicle | MPGe: 100-130 | ||
Driving Conditions: City driving with frequent stops and starts typically yields 20-30% lower MPG than highway driving. Traffic congestion, hills, and weather conditions also significantly impact fuel efficiency.
Vehicle Condition: Poor maintenance can reduce MPG by up to 25%. Issues like dirty air filters, worn spark plugs, low tire pressure, or engine problems all decrease fuel efficiency.
Speed: Fuel economy peaks at around 50-60 mph for most vehicles. Every 5 mph over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas. Aggressive driving can lower MPG by 15-30% on highways.
Temperature: Cold weather can reduce MPG by 10-20% for conventional vehicles and up to 40% for hybrids. Short trips in cold weather are especially inefficient as the engine doesn't reach optimal operating temperature.