Fuel Cost Calculator
Estimate what a drive will cost in gas. Enter the distance, your vehicle's fuel economy, and the price per gallon — or start from a vehicle preset. Toggle round trip to double the distance.
Fuel needed
9.4 gal
Trip fuel cost
$39.00
Cost per mile
13.0¢
Default price is the June 2026 AAA national average for regular. Real-world MPG runs 10–20% below the EPA sticker for highway trips with cargo, AC, or speeds above 70 mph.
How Trip Fuel Cost Is Calculated
Divide the distance by your fuel economy to get gallons burned, then multiply by the price per gallon. The same math in reverse tells you how far a tank goes: a 15-gallon tank in a 32 MPG car covers about 480 miles.
Formula
Fuel cost = (Distance ÷ MPG) × Price per gallon Example (300-mile trip, 32 MPG, $4.16/gal): 300 ÷ 32 = 9.4 gallons 9.4 × $4.16 = $39.00 (≈ 13¢ per mile)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does driving cost per mile in fuel?
At the June 2026 average of $4.16/gallon, a 32 MPG sedan costs about 13¢ per mile in fuel alone; a 18 MPG pickup costs about 23¢. Total cost of driving (insurance, depreciation, maintenance) runs 3–5× the fuel-only number.
Is premium gas worth it if my car doesn't require it?
No. Engines designed for regular gain no power or economy from higher octane — octane measures knock resistance, not energy content. Pay for premium only when the manufacturer requires it; 'premium recommended' engines run safely on regular with slightly reduced output.
How much does a full tank cost right now?
A typical 15-gallon sedan tank costs about $62 at the $4.16 national average; a 26-gallon truck tank about $108. Prices vary widely by state — check your local average rather than the national figure for budgeting.
What's the cheapest way to cut a trip's fuel cost?
Slow down: fuel economy drops roughly 7–14% for every 10 mph above 60. Beyond that, properly inflated tires, removing roof racks and cargo weight, and using cruise control on flats each claw back a few percent — together often 15–20% on a highway trip.