Fuel Cost Calculator
Know what to budget before you go. Add your distance, your vehicle's fuel economy and the price at the pump.
Where the numbers start
How to estimate your trip's fuel cost
1. Start with the right distance
Enter the driving distance to your destination, rather than a straight-line distance. For a return trip over the same route, select return and we'll double it. If the way back is longer or includes a detour, add both legs yourself and use one-way with that total.
2. Match your vehicle's units
Canadian vehicles commonly show litres per 100 kilometres. A smaller L/100 km number means less fuel used. For MPG, a larger number means better economy. Check whether the rating uses US or Imperial gallons before choosing it.
3. Use a realistic pump price
Enter a current price you've found for the fuel your vehicle uses. If stations along the route vary, a slightly higher price can help you budget conservatively. Add parking, tolls, meals and accommodation separately.
300 km. 24 litres. CAD 39.60.
For a one-way trip of 300 km, a vehicle using 8 L/100 km needs 24 L. At an illustrative CAD 1.65 per litre, fuel costs CAD 39.60. The same route there and back is 600 km, 48 L and CAD 79.20. Split that return journey between two people and each share is CAD 39.60.
Fuel (L) = distance (km) × L/100 km ÷ 100
Cost = fuel needed × price per unit
MPG formulaFuel (gallons) = distance (miles) ÷ MPG
Match US MPG with US gallons, or Imperial MPG with Imperial gallons. This calculator also handles mixed units.Fuel calculator FAQs
What's the difference between US and Imperial MPG?
A US gallon contains 3.785411784 litres. An Imperial gallon contains 4.54609 litres. The larger Imperial gallon gives a higher MPG figure for the same vehicle. For example, 30 US MPG is about 36.03 Imperial MPG. Using the wrong gallon type changes the estimate.
Does return trip mean I should enter the total distance?
No. Enter the one-way distance to your destination. Return trip doubles that distance once. If you've already added the distance there and back, select one-way so it isn't doubled again.
What happens when I change a unit or currency?
Changing a distance, economy or fuel-price unit automatically converts a valid number already in that field. Changing the currency only changes the currency label. Enter the fuel price in your chosen currency yourself; this tool doesn't use exchange rates.
Can I mix miles, L/100 km and a price per gallon?
Yes. Select the correct unit beside each value. The calculator converts distance and fuel economy to kilometres and litres internally, then uses the selected fuel-price unit. The result lists fuel needed in the unit you're paying for, with litres also shown for gallon-based prices.
Why might my real fuel cost be different?
This is a planning estimate, not a guaranteed fuel bill. Traffic, weather, hills, speed, vehicle load, idling and driving style can all change fuel consumption. Dashboard and official ratings are also estimates. Use a recent average from similar driving when you have one, and leave room in your budget.
Is this the cost to fill my tank?
No. It estimates the fuel used over the distance you enter. A fill-up depends on your tank size and how much fuel is already in it. Fuel in your tank still has a cost even if you don't need to stop during this trip.
Unit references: NIST conversion factors and UK gallon definition.