Fuel Cost Calculator

Calculate fuel cost for a trip or commute. Compare gas vs EV costs side by side.
miles
MPG
$/gal
Trip Type

Fuel Needed

1.0 gal

Trip Cost

$4.10

Annual Cost

$1,066.00

Fuel Cost Breakdown

Total Distance30.0 miles
Fuel Needed1.00 gallons
One-Way Cost$4.10
Trip Cost$4.10
Weekly Cost$20.50
Monthly Cost$88.77
Annual Cost$1,066.00

Use the Fuel Cost Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Plan your journeys with confidence using our Fuel Cost Calculator, designed to estimate expenses for both gasoline and electric vehicles. As fuel prices fluctuate, knowing your potential outlay for a trip, whether daily commute or ambitious road trip, is crucial for budgeting in 2026. This tool provides a side-by-side comparison, highlighting the financial benefits of EV ownership or the efficiency of your gas-powered car.

Our calculator utilizes a straightforward methodology: (Distance / Vehicle's Fuel Efficiency) * Fuel Price per Unit. For gasoline vehicles, this is usually miles per gallon (MPG) and dollars per gallon. For electric vehicles, it's miles per kilowatt-hour (mi/kWh) and dollars per kWh, with 2026 average electricity rates factored in for a realistic estimate.

A common mistake is underestimating the impact of driving style on fuel efficiency; aggressive acceleration and braking significantly increase consumption. Remember to account for potential charging station fees for EVs, which can vary widely from home charging rates. Always use the most up-to-date fuel prices for your region for the most accurate results.

Example: 200-Mile Trip - Gas Car vs. EV

  1. 1 Input: Trip Distance: 200 miles. Gas Car: 30 MPG, $3.80/gallon (2026 average). EV: 3.5 mi/kWh, $0.16/kWh (2026 average).
  2. 2 Calculate: Gas Cost = (200 miles / 30 MPG) * $3.80/gallon = $25.33. EV Cost = (200 miles / 3.5 mi/kWh) * $0.16/kWh = $9.14.
  3. 3 Result: The gasoline car will cost $25.33 for the trip, while the electric vehicle will cost $9.14.
  4. 4 Context: This example demonstrates a significant cost saving of $16.19 for the EV on a 200-mile trip, highlighting the long-term financial advantages of electric vehicles even with current fuel prices.

Source: DOE · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate fuel cost for a road trip?
Divide the trip distance by your vehicle's MPG to get gallons needed, then multiply by the price per gallon. A 500-mile trip at 25 MPG with $3.50/gallon gas costs $70.
What is the average fuel cost per mile in the US?
At average gas prices around $3.30-3.60/gallon and average fuel economy of 25-27 MPG, the cost is roughly $0.12-0.15 per mile for gas alone. Total driving costs (including depreciation, insurance, maintenance) are about $0.50-0.70 per mile.
Is it cheaper to drive an EV or a gas car?
EVs cost roughly $0.03-0.05 per mile for electricity vs $0.12-0.15 per mile for gas. Annual fuel savings of $1,000-1,500 are typical, though this varies by local electricity rates and gas prices.

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