Gas Trip Calculator
Calculate exactly how much you'll spend on gas for any road trip, plus see your environmental impact.
How Gas Trip Calculator Works
This calculator helps you plan road trips by estimating fuel costs, consumption, and environmental impact. You simply enter your trip distance, vehicle's fuel efficiency, and local gas prices to get detailed breakdown of expenses.
The tool works with both Imperial (miles/gallons) and Metric (kilometers/liters) units, making it useful for travelers worldwide. It automatically adjusts calculations based on your selected unit system and accounts for round trips when needed.
Beyond basic cost calculations, it shows cost per mile or kilometer, total CO₂ emissions, and fuel volume needed. This helps you budget accurately, compare different routes, and understand your trip's environmental footprint.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or cross-country adventure, this calculator takes the guesswork out of fuel budgeting and helps you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
Gas Trip Calculator Formula Breakdown
Formula
Fuel needed (gallons) = Trip distance ÷ Fuel efficiency (if round trip, distance is doubled)
Total trip cost = Fuel needed × Fuel price per gallon
Cost per mile = Fuel price per gallon ÷ Fuel efficiency (mpg)
CO₂ emissions = Fuel needed × 8.89 kg CO₂ per gallon (or 2.35 kg per liter for metric)Variables Explained
- Trip DistanceTotal miles or kilometers for your journey. Enter one-way distance even for round trips - the calculator handles the doubling automatically when you check the round trip option.
- Fuel EfficiencyYour vehicle's fuel economy in miles per gallon (mpg) or liters per 100 kilometers (l/100km). Check your vehicle manual, dashboard display, or recent fuel economy calculations for accuracy.
- Fuel PriceCurrent price per gallon or liter at gas stations along your route. Check local gas price apps or websites for the most current rates, as prices can vary significantly by location and date.
- Round TripSelect this option if you're calculating a return journey. The calculator will automatically double your distance for total fuel and cost calculations.
Example Calculation
Given:
- Trip Distance: 200 miles
- Fuel Efficiency: 45 mpg
- Fuel Price: $3.00 per gallon
- Round Trip: No
Calculation:
Fuel needed: 200 miles ÷ 45 mpg = 4.44 gallons
Total trip cost: 4.44 gallons × $3.00 = $13.33
Cost per mile: $3.00 ÷ 45 mpg = $0.067 per mile
CO₂ emissions: 4.44 gallons × 8.89 kg = 39.47 kg CO₂Result:
$13.33 total fuel cost, 4.44 gallons needed, 39.47 kg CO₂ emissionsExplanation
A 200-mile road trip in a fuel-efficient car that gets 45 mpg would cost about $13.33 in gas at current prices, requiring just over 4 gallons of fuel and producing nearly 40 kg of carbon dioxide emissions.
Tips for Using Gas Trip Calculator
- 💡Use current gas prices from apps like GasBuddy or Waze, as prices can vary 20-30 cents per gallon between stations and change frequently.
- 💡Check your vehicle's actual fuel efficiency rather than EPA estimates - real-world mpg is often 10-15% lower due to driving conditions and habits.
- 💡Add a 10% buffer to your fuel budget for unexpected detours, traffic delays, or price increases during longer trips.
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