The fuel cost calculator estimates fuel required and total trip cost using either metric liters per 100 kilometers or imperial miles per gallon. Matching the input system is essential because the two consumption measures work in opposite directions.
How to use this calculator
Select metric to enter distance in kilometers, consumption in L/100 km, and price per liter. Select imperial for miles, miles per gallon, and price per gallon. Fuel required is multiplied by the entered unit price.
Formula & calculation method
Metric fuel = distance × consumption/100; imperial gallons = distance/MPGMetric consumption rises as efficiency worsens, while higher MPG indicates better efficiency. The calculator keeps these formulas separate and labels fuel units according to the selected system.
Worked example
At 300 km and 7 L/100 km, a trip needs 21 liters. At 1.50 per liter, estimated fuel cost is 31.50. At 300 miles and 30 MPG, the requirement would instead be 10 gallons.
Why this is useful
The two systems make the tool useful across regions without hidden conversion assumptions. Fuel quantity and cost are displayed separately for trip budgeting and vehicle-efficiency comparisons.
Limitations to keep in mind
Real consumption varies with speed, terrain, load, weather, traffic, and vehicle condition. The estimate covers fuel only and excludes tolls, parking, maintenance, and price changes during the trip.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't metric use MPG?
Metric mode uses liters per 100 kilometers, a consumption measure. Imperial mode uses miles per gallon, an efficiency measure with a different formula.
Does a return trip double the result?
Yes if outbound and return distances and conditions are the same. Double the distance before calculating.
Can I use total fuel budget instead of unit price?
The calculator needs price per liter or gallon. Divide your budget by the fuel quantity if you want an implied average price.