Road Trip Fuel Cost Calculator

Budget Your Next Road Trip

Planning a road trip? Our Fuel Cost Calculator helps you budget for your journey. By entering the distance of your trip, your vehicle's fuel efficiency, and the current price of gas, you can get an accurate estimate of your total fuel costs.

The Fuel Cost Formula Explained

1. Total Fuel Needed: Fuel = Distance / Fuel Efficiency
   • For example, if your trip is 500 miles and your car gets 25 MPG, you will need 500 / 25 = 20 gallons of fuel.
2. Total Cost: Cost = Total Fuel Needed * Price per Gallon
   • If gas costs $3.50 per gallon, the total cost would be 20 * $3.50 = $70.

How to Use the Calculator

1. Distance: Enter the total distance of your trip in miles.
2. Fuel Efficiency: Enter your car's average fuel efficiency in miles per gallon (MPG).
3. Gas Price: Enter the average price per gallon of fuel you expect to pay.
4. Calculate: The tool will show the total gallons of fuel needed and the total estimated cost.

Real-World Example

You are planning a road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, which is approximately 270 miles one way. Your car gets 30 MPG, and you estimate gas will cost $4.50 per gallon.

• Distance (one way): 270 miles
• Fuel Needed (one way): 270 / 30 = 9 gallons
• Cost (one way): 9 * $4.50 = $40.50
• For a round trip, the total cost would be $81.00.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How do I find my car's MPG? You can find your car's MPG in the owner's manual, on the manufacturer's website, or by tracking it yourself. To track it, fill up your tank, reset your trip odometer, drive until the tank is nearly empty, and then fill it up again. Divide the miles driven by the gallons of gas you just put in.
• How can I estimate the price of gas? You can use apps like GasBuddy or Google Maps to check current gas prices along your route and calculate an average.
• Does this calculator work with kilometers and liters? This version is designed for miles, MPG, and gallons. Ensure your units are consistent when using the tool.