Fuel Cost Calculator
How much fuel will cost on your next trip.
Liters needed
41.67 L
Total cost
$62.50
Cost per km
$0.13
How it works
Before hitting the road, every driver wants to know: how much will fuel cost? This calculator solves it in seconds. Enter the trip distance, your car's fuel economy (km/L), and the price per liter at the pump — you get the liters needed, the total cost, and the cost per kilometer driven. Useful for mileage reimbursement, road trip planning, and comparing routes.
Formula:
Liters = Distance (km) ÷ Economy (km/L) Cost = Liters × Price per liter Cost/km = Cost ÷ Distance
To find your car's real fuel economy, fill the tank, reset the trip meter, drive normally until refilling, and divide km driven by liters added. Dashboard MPG/economy displays tend to be optimistic — trust the physical method. Modern compact gasoline cars get 12–15 km/L on highway and 8–11 km/L in the city. Hybrids and small EVs are dramatically more efficient.
Remember the calculation only covers fuel. For full trip cost include: tolls, food, lodging, vehicle depreciation (averaging $0.10–0.30/km depending on model), and proportional maintenance (oil changes every ~10,000 km cost around $40, or $0.004/km).
Practical examples
500 km trip, 12 km/L car, gasoline $1.50/L
41.67 L · Cost $62.50 · $0.13/km
1,000 km trip, 14 km/L car, gasoline $1.45/L
71.43 L · Cost $103.57 · $0.10/km
30 km urban commute, 8 km/L car, gasoline $1.50/L
3.75 L · Cost $5.63 · $0.19/km
2,500 km road trip, 10 km/L SUV, diesel $1.40/L
250 L · Cost $350.00 · $0.14/km
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my car's actual fuel economy?
Fill the tank, reset the trip meter, drive normally until you refill. Divide km driven by liters added. Repeat 2-3 times for a reliable average. Don't rely only on the dashboard — it tends to be optimistic.
Does air conditioning affect consumption?
Yes, by 5–15% on average. On highway above 80 km/h, A/C is more efficient than driving with windows open (due to aerodynamic drag). At low speeds, open windows are cheaper.
What about depreciation per km?
Highly variable. Economy cars depreciate around $0.10/km in the first 5 years. SUVs and premium models can reach $0.30–0.50/km. Add this to fuel for true cost per km.
How does driving style affect fuel use?
Aggressive driving (hard acceleration, high speeds) can increase consumption by 30–40%. Steady speed at 90–100 km/h is the sweet spot for most cars. Highway driving is generally more efficient than city traffic.
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⚠️ Disclaimer
This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only. Results are estimates based on public formulas and may contain inaccuracies or be outdated. We are not accountants, lawyers, doctors, or financial advisors — for any important decision (tax filings, contracts, diagnoses, financial planning), always consult a qualified professional. calculadora.work assumes no liability for decisions made based on the content of this site.