How do I find my car's MPG?

Most modern cars display this on the dashboard trip computer. If yours doesn't, you can calculate it manually: Fill up your tank, drive 100 miles, fill up again, and divide 100 by the gallons used. Or, simply Google 'Year Make Model MPG'.

Does driving speed affect fuel cost?

Yes, dramatically. Cars are most efficient around 55-60 mph. Driving at 80 mph can consume 20% more fuel than driving at 65 mph due to wind resistance.

Is it cheaper to fly or drive?

For one person, flying might be comparable. For a family of 4, driving is almost always cheaper because you pay for fuel once for the car, rather than buying 4 separate airline tickets.

Fuel Cost Calculator | Gas Trip Calculator & Mileage Estimator | Finmato

The Hidden Cost of Travel

We often look at hotel prices and think, "That's affordable," while forgetting the hundreds of dollars it might cost just to get there. Gas prices fluctuate, and efficient driving can vary by vehicle. Whether you are commuting to a new job or crossing the country on Route 66, our Fuel Calculator eliminates the guesswork, giving you hard numbers for your travel budget.

The Math Behind the Miles

Fuel cost is determined by three variables working together:

Distance

How far are you going? Remember to calculate round-trip if you are coming back!

Efficiency (MPG)

How thirsty is your engine? A hybrid getting 50 MPG costs half as much to drive as a truck getting 25 MPG.

Price

What is the cost at the pump? Prices can vary by $0.50 or more between states or even different neighborhoods.

Tips to Improve Fuel Economy

Want the calculator to show a lower number? Change your driving habits.

Check Tire Pressure: Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and burn more gas.
Use Cruise Control: Maintaining a steady speed on the highway prevents wasted fuel from unnecessary acceleration.
Reduce Weight: Don't use your trunk as storage. An extra 100 lbs reduces MPG by up to 1%.
Avoid Idling: If you are stopped for more than 10 seconds, turn off the engine (unless you're in traffic).

Group Road Trips

Going to a festival with 3 friends? Calculate the total gas cost upfront so everyone can Venmo their share of the "fuel fund."

Job Commute

Is that higher-paying job worth the 40-mile commute? Calculate the monthly gas cost to see if the raise covers the travel.

Moving Decisions

Should you rent the U-Haul truck or just make 10 trips in your SUV? Sometimes the truck's awful MPG is still cheaper than driving back and forth.

Frequently Asked Questions

MPG vs. Liters/100km?

MPG (Miles Per Gallon) is standard in the US/UK. Most of the world uses L/100km (Liters needed to drive 100km). Note that for MPG, higher is better. For L/100km, lower is better.

Should I use premium gas?

Only if your car requires it. Putting premium gas in a regular engine provides zero benefit and wastes money. Check your owner's manual.

What about EV charging costs?

For Electric Vehicles, use your kWh/100mi efficiency instead of MPG, and your electricity cost ($/kWh) instead of gas price. The math is the same!

Estimates Only

Actual fuel consumption varies based on traffic, weather, terrain (hills vs flat), and vehicle load. Always budget for slightly more than calculated.

Data Privacy

We do not store your trip data. This calculator runs entirely in your browser.

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Fuel Efficiency