How to Calculate the Fuel Cost of a Trip
A trip's fuel bill comes down to three numbers: how far you drive, how efficiently your vehicle uses fuel, and the price at the pump. Here is the simple calculation.
What is the Fuel Cost Calculator?
The calculator first divides your trip distance by your vehicle's fuel efficiency to find the litres needed, then multiplies those litres by the price per litre. That gives both the fuel used and the total cost, so you can budget a journey before you set off.
How to use it
- Enter the trip distance.
- Enter your vehicle's efficiency in kilometres per litre and the fuel price per litre.
- Press Calculate to see the litres needed and the total fuel cost.
Worked example
Distance 400, efficiency 20 km per litre, price 1.50 per litre: the tool gives 20 litres and a fuel cost of 30.
How much does fuel cost for a 400 km trip at 20 km per litre with fuel at 1.50 per litre?
The trip needs 20 litres of fuel, because 400 divided by 20 is 20, and at 1.50 per litre that costs 30. So a longer trip, a thirstier vehicle or a higher pump price each push the total up in direct proportion.
Frequently asked questions
What if my efficiency is in litres per 100 km instead?
Convert it first: divide 100 by your litres-per-100-km figure to get kilometres per litre, then enter that here.
Does this include tolls or other trip costs?
No, it covers fuel only. Add tolls, parking and other costs separately for a full trip budget.