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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.
To estimate gas for a trip, divide the distance by your MPG to get gallons, then multiply by the price per gallon. A 300-mile trip at 28 MPG and $3.50 a gallon burns about 10.7 gallons and costs roughly $37.50 — about $0.13 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.
Gas cost for common trip distances (at 25 MPG)
| Trip distance | Gallons used | At $3.00/gal | At $3.50/gal | At $4.00/gal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 miles | 4.0 | $12 | $14 | $16 |
| 250 miles | 10.0 | $30 | $35 | $40 |
| 500 miles | 20.0 | $60 | $70 | $80 |
| 1,000 miles | 40.0 | $120 | $140 | $160 |
| 1,500 miles | 60.0 | $180 | $210 | $240 |
Frequently asked questions
How much gas money should I give someone for a ride?
Work out the gas cost for the trip — divide the distance by the driver’s MPG and multiply by the price per gallon — then split it by the number of people sharing the ride. For a 300-mile trip at 28 MPG and $3.50/gal that’s about $37.50 in fuel, so $12.50 each among three riders. Many people round up to cover wear and tolls.
How do I split gas money for a road trip?
Add up the total fuel cost for the whole trip (or the sum of each fill-up) and divide by the number of people, including the driver. If someone joins for only part of the drive, split each leg separately. The total fuel cost this calculator gives you is the number to divide.
How much does gas cost per mile?
Divide the price per gallon by your MPG. At $3.50 a gallon and 28 MPG that’s $0.125 per mile; a 15-MPG truck at the same price is about $0.23 per mile. The calculator shows your exact cost per mile in the result.
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.
How much does it cost to drive 100 miles?
At an average 25 MPG and $3.50 a gallon, 100 miles burns about 4 gallons and costs roughly $14. A thirstier 18-MPG truck uses about 5.6 gallons — closer to $19.50. Enter your own MPG and local price above for an exact figure.
How much gas to drive 500 miles?
About 20 gallons at 25 MPG, which is roughly $60–$80 depending on whether gas is $3.00 or $4.00 a gallon. A 40-MPG hybrid halves that to around 12.5 gallons, or $38–$50.
How much does it cost to drive 1,000 miles?
At 25 MPG that’s 40 gallons — about $120 at $3.00/gal, $140 at $3.50, and $160 at $4.00. Fuel-efficient cars and lower pump prices bring it well under $100; a big SUV or truck can push it past $200.