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Equivalent: -- L/100km

πŸ—ΊοΈ Trip Cost Predictor

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Est. Cost: $0.00

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About

Precise fuel economy tracking is the definitive metric for vehicle health and financial planning. While dashboard computers provide estimates based on airflow and injector pulse width, they often drift by 5% to 12% due to tire pressure variance, fuel composition changes, and sensor aging. This tool utilizes the Tank-to-Tank method, the industry standard for determining actual consumption.

By monitoring the delta between Odometer readings and physical Fuel volume, you gain two advantages. First, financial clarity: understanding your exact Cost per Mile allows for accurate budgeting and reimbursement. Second, mechanical diagnostics: a sudden, unexplained drop in MPG or rise in L/100km is often the first symptom of dragging brakes, failing oxygen sensors, or transmission slip - long before a Check Engine light appears.

This application features a comprehensive database of vehicle benchmarks, allowing you to compare your efficiency against real-world averages for your specific chassis type. It supports global unit conversions (US, Imperial, Metric) and provides predictive analytics for future travel expenses.

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Formulas

The calculator employs the discrete logic of measuring distance traveled against volume replenished. This requires a full tank reset for maximum precision.

1. Standard Efficiency (MPG):

MPG = Odometercurrent βˆ’ OdometerpreviousFuelpumped

2. Metric Efficiency (L/100km):

L/100km = 100 Γ— FuellitersDistancekm

3. Financial Impact (Cost per Unit):

Costmile = PricegallonMPG

4. Range Projection:

Rangeest = MPGavg Γ— Tankcapacity

Reference Data

Vehicle CategoryCity MPGHwy MPGComb L/100kmEst. Tank gal
Economy / Compact30 - 3540 - 456.411 - 13
Standard Sedan (4-cyl)25 - 2934 - 387.613 - 16
Luxury Sedan (V6/Turbo)19 - 2428 - 329.816 - 19
Compact SUV / Crossover23 - 2729 - 338.414 - 16
Midsize SUV (AWD)18 - 2224 - 2810.718 - 21
Full-Size SUV (V8)14 - 1719 - 2313.824 - 28
Pickup Truck (1/2 Ton)15 - 1920 - 2512.423 - 36
Heavy Duty Truck (Diesel)12 - 1516 - 2015.730 - 38
Hybrid Sedan50 - 5848 - 554.410 - 12
Sports Car / Coupe15 - 2024 - 2910.215 - 18
Motorcycle (600cc+)35 - 4545 - 555.23 - 5
Van / Minivan19 - 2226 - 299.419 - 21
Electric (MPGe)110+95+2.0 (eq)N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

Dashboard displays calculate "Instant MPG" using air intake sensors (MAF) and injector timing, which are estimates. Manual calculation uses physical constants: exact distance driven and exact fuel volume replaced. The manual method removes sensor drift and algorithm estimation errors, providing the true mechanical consumption.
If you forget to record a fill-up, you cannot accurately calculate the MPG for that specific tank because the "Fuel Used" variable is incomplete. You must wait until the next full tank to reset the baseline. In the tool, mark the odometer reading but do not attempt to calculate efficiency across a gap in fuel data.
This is a common source of error. 1 Imperial Gallon (UK) is approximately 1.201 US Gallons (4.546 Liters vs 3.785 Liters). A car getting 30 MPG in the US would technically get ~36 MPG in the UK for the same efficiency. Ensure the correct unit system is selected in the calculator settings.
Yes, negatively. "Topping off" after the pump clicks can force fuel into the evaporative emissions canister (EVAP), damaging the car. It also creates inconsistent "Full" levels. For the best data consistency, always stop exactly when the pump clicks off the first time.
Winter fuel blends contain slightly less energy per gallon. Furthermore, cold engines run "rich" (more fuel) longer to reach operating temperature, tire pressure drops in cold air (increasing rolling resistance), and increased aerodynamic drag from denser cold air all contribute to a 10-15% reduction in efficiency.