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Fuel & TripsGas Cost Calculator — How Much Will Gas Cost for My Trip?
Enter how far you’re driving, your car’s MPG, and the current price per gallon. You’ll see the total fuel cost for the trip, how many gallons it burns, and what that works out to per mile.
How this calculator works
We divide the distance by your MPG to get gallons burned, then multiply by the price per gallon for the total. Cost per mile is simply the price per gallon divided by your MPG — a handy figure for comparing cars or planning a budget.
What changes the number
- Real-world MPG runs 10–20% below the EPA sticker in winter, in city traffic, or at highway speeds above 70 mph.
- A loaded roof rack or cargo box can cut highway economy by 10–25% on its own.
- Prices swing by region and by grade — premium can be $0.50–$1.00 more per gallon than regular.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use city or highway MPG?
Use the number that matches your trip. For a long interstate drive, use the highway figure; for errands around town, use city. If you’re unsure, your car’s combined rating is a safe middle.
How do I find my real MPG?
Fill the tank, reset the trip meter, and at the next fill-up divide the miles driven by the gallons it took to refill. That’s your true MPG — use our MPG calculator for the math.
Does cruise control save gas?
On flat highways, yes — it holds a steady throttle and avoids the small accelerations that waste fuel. On hilly roads it can actually use more, because it floors it to hold speed uphill.