Fuel Cost Calculator
Calculate gas cost for any trip or annual driving
Fuel Cost
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate fuel cost for a road trip?
Fuel cost = (miles / MPG) × gas price per gallon. A 500-mile trip in a 30 MPG car at $3.50/gallon: (500/30) × 3.50 = 16.67 gallons × $3.50 = $58.33. Always add 10-15% for detours, idling, and AC use which can reduce real-world MPG by 5-25%.
What is the average MPG for cars in the USA?
The average new car in 2024 gets about 26-28 MPG combined. Compact sedans: 35-45 MPG. SUVs/trucks: 18-25 MPG. Hybrid cars: 40-60 MPG. Plug-in hybrids: 50-100 MPGe. Electric vehicles: 100-140 MPGe. Older vehicles from 2000-2010 average 20-25 MPG.
How much does driving cost per mile?
Total cost per mile includes: fuel (~$0.10-0.20/mile at avg MPG and gas prices), plus depreciation, insurance, maintenance, tires, and registration (typically $0.20-0.40/mile additional). The IRS standard mileage rate for 2024 is $0.67/mile for business use, reflecting total average driving costs.
How much can I save with a more fuel-efficient car?
Savings per year = annual miles × gas price × (1/old MPG - 1/new MPG). Trading from 20 MPG to 35 MPG, driving 15,000 miles/year at $3.50/gas: 15,000 × 3.50 × (1/20 - 1/35) = 15,000 × 3.50 × 0.0214 = $1,125/year savings.
Does driving speed affect fuel economy?
Yes significantly. Most cars peak efficiency at 45-55 mph. Above 55 mph, aerodynamic drag increases rapidly: fuel economy drops about 7-14% for every 5 mph over 50 mph. At 70 mph, most cars use 15-25% more fuel than at 55 mph. Highway speed limits of 65-70 mph significantly impact real-world fuel costs.
Annual Fuel Cost by MPG
| MPG | 15,000 mi/yr @ $3.50 |
|---|---|
| 15 MPG | $3,500 |
| 20 MPG | $2,625 |
| 25 MPG | $2,100 |
| 30 MPG | $1,750 |
| 35 MPG | $1,500 |
| 45 MPG | $1,167 |
| 55 MPG | $954 |