Fuel Cost Calculator

Estimate fuel costs for trips

Fuel Cost Calculator

Calculate fuel costs for cars, RVs, boats, trucks and more based on distance, fuel efficiency, and current fuel prices

Vehicle & Trip Details

miles
MPG
Average car MPG: 25-30 for sedans, 15-20 for SUVs
$ per gallon

Trip Cost Summary

Total Cost: $0.00
Cost Per Mile: $0.00

Distance: 0 miles
Fuel Efficiency: 0 MPG
Fuel Price: $0.00 per gallon
Fuel Amount Needed: 0 gallons
Fuel Cost: $0.00

Cost Breakdown

Fuel Tolls Parking
This is an estimate based on consistent fuel efficiency. Actual consumption may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle load, and driving style.
How to use this tool

Free Online Fuel Cost Calculator for All Vehicles

Our fuel cost calculator helps you estimate travel expenses for any vehicle type, including cars, RVs, boats, semi trucks, and private jets. Calculate fuel costs based on distance, vehicle efficiency, and current fuel prices to better plan your budget.

How to Use Our Fuel Cost Calculator

  1. Select Vehicle Type - Choose your specific vehicle (car/SUV, RV/motorhome, semi truck, boat, private jet)
  2. Choose Distance Unit - Select miles or kilometers based on your preference
  3. Enter Trip Distance - Input the total distance of your journey
  4. Select Round Trip - Check this option if you're calculating a return journey
  5. Choose Fuel Efficiency Unit - Select MPG, km/L, or L/100km based on your region
  6. Enter Fuel Efficiency - Input your vehicle's fuel consumption rate
  7. Select Fuel Type - Choose gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, or other fuel types
  8. Enter Fuel Price - Input the current price per gallon or liter
  9. Include Additional Costs - Optionally add toll and parking expenses
  10. View Results - See your total cost and cost per mile/kilometer

Specialized Fuel Cost Calculators

RV Fuel Cost Calculator

Planning an RV trip? Calculate your motorhome's fuel expenses accurately based on its typically lower fuel efficiency. Our RV fuel cost calculator helps you budget for cross-country adventures or weekend getaways.

  • Average Class A motorhome: 6-10 MPG
  • Average Class C motorhome: 8-12 MPG
  • Average Class B campervan: 14-18 MPG
  • Fifth wheels and travel trailers reduce towing vehicle MPG by 30-50%

Boat Fuel Cost Calculator

Marine fuel costs can be significant due to lower efficiency and higher fuel prices at marinas. Our boat fuel cost calculator helps you estimate expenses for your next boating trip or yacht journey.

  • Small outboard boats (50-90 HP): 2-4 MPG
  • Medium cabin cruisers: 1-2 MPG
  • Large motor yachts: 0.5-1 MPG
  • Remember that boat fuel consumption varies significantly with speed

Semi Truck Fuel Cost Calculator

For trucking companies and owner-operators, fuel represents 30-40% of operating costs. Our semi truck fuel cost calculator helps optimize routes and estimate expenses accurately.

  • Average semi truck: 5.5-8.5 MPG
  • Loaded trucks typically get 30% lower MPG than empty ones
  • Newer trucks with aerodynamic features can achieve better efficiency
  • Idling can consume 0.5-1.0 gallon per hour

Private Jet Fuel Cost Calculator

Private aviation fuel costs are a major expense factor. Our private jet fuel cost calculator helps estimate operating expenses for different aircraft types and journey lengths.

  • Light jets (e.g., Citation CJ3): 150-200 gallons per hour
  • Midsize jets (e.g., Citation XLS): 210-280 gallons per hour
  • Heavy jets (e.g., Gulfstream G650): 350-500 gallons per hour
  • Jet fuel (Jet A) typically costs more than automotive fuels

Car Fuel Cost Calculator

Calculate fuel expenses for daily commutes, road trips, or annual budgeting. Our calculator helps you compare vehicles and understand the real cost of driving.

  • Average sedan: 25-30 MPG
  • Average SUV: 15-20 MPG
  • Hybrid vehicles: 40-55 MPG
  • Electric vehicles: Equivalent of 100-140 MPGe

How to Calculate Cost Per Mile for Fuel

Understanding your cost per mile helps with budgeting and comparing vehicle expenses:

  1. Determine your vehicle's MPG (check your owner's manual or use actual driving data)
  2. Note the current fuel price per gallon in your area
  3. Divide the fuel price by your MPG to get your cost per mile
  4. Formula: Cost per mile = Fuel price per gallon ÷ Miles per gallon
  5. Example: $3.50 per gallon ÷ 25 MPG = $0.14 per mile

Fuel Cost Comparison for Different Vehicles

Vehicle Type Average MPG Fuel Cost per 100 Miles* Annual Fuel Cost**
Compact Car 30-35 MPG $10.00-$11.67 $1,200-$1,400
Midsize Sedan 25-30 MPG $11.67-$14.00 $1,400-$1,680
SUV 15-20 MPG $17.50-$23.33 $2,100-$2,800
Pickup Truck 12-18 MPG $19.44-$29.17 $2,333-$3,500
RV/Motorhome 6-12 MPG $29.17-$58.33 $1,750-$3,500***
Semi Truck 5.5-8.5 MPG $52.94-$81.82 $42,353-$65,455****

* Assuming $3.50/gallon for gasoline and $4.50/gallon for diesel
** Based on 12,000 miles per year for personal vehicles
*** Based on 6,000 miles per year for recreational vehicles
**** Based on 80,000 miles per year for commercial trucks

Heating Fuel Cost Comparison Calculator

For home heating, comparing fuel costs is essential for budget planning:

  • Natural Gas: Typically the most economical option at $10-15 per million BTU
  • Heating Oil: Ranges from $18-28 per million BTU depending on market prices
  • Propane: Usually costs $25-35 per million BTU
  • Electric Heat: Often the most expensive at $30-40 per million BTU

Our calculator can be adapted for heating costs by entering the appropriate fuel efficiency values for your heating system.

Fuel Cost Calculator App Features

Our online fuel cost calculator provides the same features as premium apps without requiring downloads:

  • Multiple Vehicle Types: Calculate costs for cars, RVs, boats, trucks, and jets
  • International Units: Support for miles/kilometers and gallons/liters
  • Additional Expenses: Include tolls and parking in your total trip cost
  • Cost Per Mile: See your per-mile or per-kilometer operating costs
  • Visual Breakdown: Graphical representation of cost distribution
  • Mobile-Friendly: Works perfectly on smartphones for on-the-go calculations

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate fuel cost for a boat trip?

To calculate boat fuel costs, you'll need your boat's fuel consumption rate (typically in GPH - gallons per hour), estimated trip duration, and current marine fuel prices. Our boat fuel cost calculator can help by converting these factors into a total cost estimate.

What is the average fuel efficiency for an RV?

RV fuel efficiency varies by class: Class A motorhomes average 6-10 MPG, Class C motorhomes average 8-12 MPG, and Class B campervans average 14-18 MPG. Travel trailers and fifth wheels reduce the towing vehicle's MPG by 30-50%.

How much does it cost to fuel a semi truck?

Semi trucks typically get 5.5-8.5 MPG and have 120-300 gallon fuel tanks. At current diesel prices (approximately $4.50/gallon), filling a 200-gallon tank costs around $900. For a typical 1,000-mile haul, fuel costs range from $530-$820.

How much does private jet fuel cost?

Private jet fuel costs depend on the aircraft size. Light jets consume 150-200 gallons per hour, midsize jets use 210-280 gallons per hour, and heavy jets burn 350-500 gallons per hour. With Jet A fuel at $5-7 per gallon, hourly fuel costs range from $750 for small jets to $3,500 for large jets.

How can I improve my vehicle's fuel efficiency?

Improve fuel efficiency by maintaining proper tire pressure, removing excess weight, using cruise control on highways, avoiding aggressive acceleration and braking, keeping up with regular maintenance, and reducing idling time.

How does speed affect fuel consumption?

Most vehicles achieve optimal fuel efficiency between 50-60 mph. Fuel economy typically decreases rapidly above 60 mph due to increased aerodynamic drag. Driving 75 mph instead of 65 mph can reduce fuel economy by 10-15%.

How do I convert between different fuel efficiency units?

To convert MPG to L/100km, divide 235.2 by the MPG value. To convert L/100km to MPG, divide 235.2 by the L/100km value. To convert MPG to km/L, multiply MPG by 0.425.

Note: This calculator provides estimates based on consistent fuel efficiency. Actual consumption may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle load, weather, and driving style. For most accurate results, use your vehicle's actual average fuel efficiency from past trips.