Fuel Cost Calculator

Work out what a trip will cost in fuel: distance ÷ MPG × price per gallon. The price field is pre-filled with this week's official EIA national average of $4.01 for regular gasoline (week of 2026-08-10) ($5.26 diesel) — adjust it to your local price from gas prices by state.

Trip Cost

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Trip fuel cost––
Cost per mile––
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Formula: (miles ÷ MPG) × price. More conversions on the energy tools page.

Quick reference (at $4.01/gal)

Vehicle≈MPG¢/mile100 miles

Fuel Cost FAQ

How do I calculate the fuel cost of a trip?

Divide the trip distance by your vehicle's fuel economy to get gallons used, then multiply by the price per gallon: cost = (miles ÷ MPG) × price. A 300-mile trip in a 30-MPG car at $3.50/gal costs (300 ÷ 30) × 3.50 = $35.

What MPG should I assume?

The average new US car achieves roughly 33 MPG window-sticker combined; the average vehicle actually on the road is closer to 25 MPG. SUVs and pickups typically run 18–25, hybrids 45–55. Real-world highway MPG at moderate speeds usually beats the EPA combined figure; speeds above ~70 mph and roof loads reduce it sharply.

How much does it cost per mile to drive?

Fuel alone at this week's $4.01 average: about 16¢ per mile at 25 MPG, or 10¢ at 40 MPG. Total driving cost including depreciation, insurance and maintenance runs several times higher — the IRS standard mileage rate (70¢/mi in 2025) is a common all-in benchmark.