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Planning a road trip? Enter your trip distance, your vehicle's fuel efficiency, and the current gas price to instantly see how much you'll spend on fuel. You can also split the cost among multiple passengers. The calculator supports both US units (miles/MPG/gallons) and metric units (km/L per 100km/liters) so it works wherever you're driving.
When to use this calculator
Estimating fuel budget before a long road trip
Comparing the fuel cost of two different vehicles for the same route
Splitting gas costs fairly among carpoolers or travel companions
Checking whether renting a more fuel-efficient car saves money on a trip
Calculating fuel costs for a cross-country drive in the US
Planning a road trip budget in countries using metric units
US Vehicle Fuel Economy Reference (EPA 2025)
Vehicle Type
Typical MPG
Fuel Cost per 100 miles @ $3.45/gal
Compact car
~34 MPG
~$10.15
Average new car (fleet)
~28 MPG
~$12.32
SUV / Truck
~22 MPG
~$15.68
Hybrid vehicle
45–55 MPG
~$6.27–$7.67
Fuente: U.S. EPA Fuel Economy Guide 2025 (fueleconomy.gov) y EIA average regular gas price ~$3.45/gal (early 2026). Cost per 100 miles = (100 ÷ MPG) × $3.45.
How it works
What is gas trip cost?
Gas trip cost is the total fuel expense for a road journey calculated by multiplying distance traveled by fuel consumption rate and current gas prices. A 500-mile trip in a 28 MPG vehicle at $3.45 per gallon costs approximately $61.61. Dividing this among passengers provides per-person fuel expenses for fair cost sharing.
How It Works
The calculator uses a straightforward formula to determine how much fuel your trip will consume and what it will cost.
Formula (Imperial)
Gallons needed = Trip distance (miles) ÷ MPG
Total fuel cost = Gallons needed × Gas price per gallon
Cost per person = Total fuel cost ÷ Number of passengers
Formula (Metric)
Liters needed = Trip distance (km) × (L/100km ÷ 100)
Total fuel cost = Liters needed × Gas price per liter
Cost per person = Total fuel cost ÷ Number of passengers
Worked Example (Imperial)
You're driving 500 miles in a car that gets 28 MPG, and gas costs $3.45 per gallon, with 4 passengers:
Step
Calculation
Result
Gallons needed
500 ÷ 28
17.86 gal
Total cost
17.86 × $3.45
$61.61
Per person
$61.61 ÷ 4
$15.40
Worked Example (Metric)
You're driving 800 km in a car rated at 9 L/100km, and gas costs $1.55 per liter, with 2 passengers:
Step
Calculation
Result
Liters needed
800 × (9 ÷ 100)
72 L
Total cost
72 × $1.55
$111.60
Per person
$111.60 ÷ 2
$55.80
US Reference Values (2026)
Average US regular gas price: ~$3.45/gal (EIA, early 2026)
Average new car fuel economy: ~28 MPG (EPA, 2025 model year fleet average)
Average SUV/truck: ~22 MPG
Average compact car: ~34 MPG
Hybrid vehicles: 45–55 MPG typical
Limitations
MPG is an estimate. Real-world fuel economy can vary ±15–20% from EPA ratings depending on speed, load, hills, AC use, and driving style. Highway driving typically beats city MPG.
Gas prices fluctuate daily. Always check current prices at GasBuddy or the EIA before a trip.
This calculator does not include other trip costs like tolls, parking, or vehicle wear.
One-way only. For a round trip, double the distance input or run the calculator twice.
The passenger split assumes equal sharing of costs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average gas price in the US in 2026?
As of early 2026, the US national average for regular unleaded gasoline is approximately $3.45 per gallon, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). Prices vary significantly by state — California often exceeds $4.50/gal while Gulf Coast states tend to be lower.
What MPG should I enter if I don't know my car's fuel economy?
Check the EPA fuel economy label on your vehicle or search the EPA's fueleconomy.gov database. The average 2025 model year car gets about 28 MPG combined. Compact cars: ~34 MPG. SUVs/trucks: ~20–22 MPG. Hybrids: ~45–55 MPG. Use the combined city/highway figure for most trips.
How do I convert L/100km to MPG?
Use the formula: MPG = 235.21 ÷ (L/100km). For example, 9 L/100km = 235.21 ÷ 9 ≈ 26.1 MPG. Conversely, MPG to L/100km: L/100km = 235.21 ÷ MPG.
Does this calculator account for city vs. highway driving?
No — it uses a single efficiency figure you enter. For the most accurate result, estimate what mix of city and highway driving your trip involves. If it's mostly highway, use your vehicle's highway MPG rating. If mixed, use the combined rating from fueleconomy.gov.
How does the cost split work?
The total fuel cost is divided equally among the number of passengers you enter. Enter 1 (the default) if you're not splitting. Enter 2 for two people splitting, and so on. The calculator assumes each person pays an equal share.
Why does my actual fuel cost differ from the estimate?
Real-world MPG varies based on speed (fuel economy drops sharply above 65 mph), air conditioning use, cargo weight, hills and elevation, tire pressure, and driving style. Aggressive acceleration and braking can reduce efficiency by 15–30% versus steady highway cruising.
Can I use this for a round trip?
Yes — simply double your one-way distance and enter the total. For example, a 300-mile one-way trip becomes 600 miles for the full round trip. This assumes similar conditions on both legs.
What gas price should I use for metric calculations?
Enter the price per liter in your local currency. In Canada, expect roughly CAD $1.60–$1.90/L in 2026 depending on province. In the UK, roughly GBP £1.55–£1.70/L. In Germany, roughly EUR €1.75–€1.95/L. Check a current local source for the most accurate price.
Does the calculator include the cost of oil, tolls, or wear and tear?
No — it calculates fuel cost only. The IRS standard mileage rate (67 cents/mile for 2024, updated yearly) is a broader measure that includes depreciation, maintenance, and fuel. For a full trip cost estimate, add tolls and consider the IRS rate instead.
Calculadora de viajes revisada por el equipo editorial de Hacé Cuentas, contrastada con U.S. Energy Information Administration — Gasoline Prices, según nuestra política editorial y metodología.
Updates
Última revisión: June 20, 2026. Los parámetros se verifican periódicamente con las fuentes citadas.
Privacy
Calculations run 100% in your browser. We do not store or transmit your data.
Limitations
Indicative results. For critical decisions, consult a professional.
📌 How to cite this calculator
Rodríguez, M. (2026). Gas Trip Cost Calculator. Hacé Cuentas. https://hacecuentas.com/gas-trip-cost-calculator
Contenido bajo licencia CC-BY 4.0 — reutilizable citando la fuente con enlace a Hacé Cuentas.
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