CalculateY
Quick Answer
A 300-mile trip in a vehicle averaging 25 MPG with gas at $3.50 per gallon uses an estimated 12 gallons and costs approximately $42.00, or about $0.14 per mile.
Common Examples
| Input | Result |
|---|---|
| 300 miles, 25 MPG, $3.50/gal | Estimated 12.00 gal, $42.00 total |
| 150 miles, 30 MPG, $3.25/gal | Estimated 5.00 gal, $16.25 total |
| 500 miles, 20 MPG, $3.75/gal | Estimated 25.00 gal, $93.75 total |
| 1,000 miles, 35 MPG, $3.50/gal | Estimated 28.57 gal, $100.00 total |
| 50 miles, 22 MPG, $4.00/gal | Estimated 2.27 gal, $9.09 total |
How It Works
The Formula
The fuel cost calculation uses three straightforward formulas:
Gallons Used = Distance / Fuel Efficiency (MPG)
Total Cost = Gallons Used x Price per Gallon
Cost per Mile = Total Cost / Distance
Where:
- Distance = total trip distance in miles
- Fuel Efficiency = vehicle fuel economy in miles per gallon (MPG)
- Price per Gallon = current fuel price in dollars per gallon
Understanding MPG
Miles per gallon (MPG) measures how far a vehicle travels on one gallon of fuel. A higher MPG means better fuel efficiency and lower costs per mile. The EPA provides combined, city, and highway MPG ratings for every vehicle sold in the United States. Highway driving typically yields higher MPG than city driving due to less stopping and starting.
Factors That Affect Fuel Economy
Actual fuel economy varies based on driving conditions: highway vs. city, speed, terrain, vehicle load, tire pressure, air conditioning use, and driving habits. The MPG value you enter should reflect your realistic average, not the EPA sticker estimate. Many drivers find their real-world MPG is 10% to 20% lower than the EPA rating.
Cost per Mile
Cost per mile is useful for comparing vehicles, budgeting for commutes, or calculating mileage reimbursement. At $3.50 per gallon, a 25 MPG vehicle costs $0.14 per mile in fuel alone. A 35 MPG vehicle costs $0.10 per mile, saving $0.04 per mile. Over 15,000 miles per year, that difference adds up to approximately $600 in annual fuel savings.
Worked Example
For a 300-mile road trip in a vehicle that averages 25 MPG, with gas priced at $3.50 per gallon: Gallons used = 300 / 25 = 12.00 gallons. Total cost = 12.00 x $3.50 = $42.00. Cost per mile = $42.00 / 300 = $0.14 per mile. For a longer 1,000-mile trip in a 35 MPG vehicle at $3.50/gallon: Gallons = 1,000 / 35 = 28.57 gallons. Cost = 28.57 x $3.50 = $100.00. Cost per mile = $100.00 / 1,000 = $0.10.