Gas Cost Calculator
Calculate fuel costs for trips, plan road trip budgets with multiple stops, and track your commute expenses to better manage your transportation budget.
Trip Gas Cost Calculator
Trip Cost Summary
Total Distance
500 mi
Gallons Needed
17.9 gal
Total Gas Cost
$62.50
Cost Per Mile
$0.13
Understanding Fuel Costs
How Gas Costs Are Calculated
Fuel cost is calculated using three main factors: the distance you'll travel, your vehicle's fuel efficiency (MPG), and the current price of gas. The formula is simple: (Distance ÷ MPG) × Gas Price = Total Cost.
Example Calculation
- • Trip Distance: 300 miles
- • Vehicle MPG: 30 mpg
- • Gas Price: $3.50/gallon
- • Gallons Needed: 300 ÷ 30 = 10 gallons
- • Total Cost: 10 × $3.50 = $35.00
Factors Affecting MPG
Your actual fuel economy can vary based on driving conditions. Highway driving typically yields better MPG than city driving due to fewer stops and consistent speeds.
- • City driving: Usually 15-20% lower MPG
- • Highway driving: Optimal MPG conditions
- • Aggressive driving: Can reduce MPG by 15-30%
- • Air conditioning: May reduce MPG by 5-10%
- • Tire pressure: Low pressure reduces efficiency
Planning Your Trip Budget
Road Trip Planning Tips
- • Add 10-15% buffer to estimated gas costs
- • Check gas prices along your route in advance
- • Consider filling up in cheaper areas
- • Plan stops near gas stations with competitive prices
- • Use gas price apps to find the best deals
Saving Money on Gas
- • Maintain steady speeds (cruise control helps)
- • Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking
- • Keep tires properly inflated
- • Remove excess weight from your vehicle
- • Use gas station loyalty programs
Vehicle MPG Guide
Compact Cars
28-35 MPG
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3
Midsize Sedans
25-32 MPG
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima
SUVs
20-28 MPG
RAV4, CR-V, Forester
Trucks
15-22 MPG
F-150, Silverado, RAM 1500
Commute Cost Considerations
Ways to Reduce Commute Costs
- • Carpool with coworkers
- • Work from home when possible
- • Use public transportation
- • Consider a more fuel-efficient vehicle
- • Combine errands to reduce extra trips
- • Adjust work hours to avoid traffic
True Cost of Commuting
- • Gas is just one part of vehicle costs
- • Factor in maintenance and wear
- • Consider depreciation from high mileage
- • Include parking costs if applicable
- • Time spent commuting has value too