How to Calculate Gas Cost
Budgeting for a road trip requires knowing three variables: how far you are going, your car's fuel economy, and the price of gas.
The Formula
US Standard: Divide your trip distance by your MPG to find gallons needed. Then multiply by gas price.
(Miles / MPG) × Price per Gallon = Total Cost
Metric System: Most modern cars display efficiency in "Liters per 100km".
(Distance / 100) × (L/100km) × Price per Liter = Total Cost
Saving Money on Trips
Driving habits significantly impact fuel economy. Aggressive acceleration and speeding can lower your MPG by 15% to 30% at highway speeds. Using cruise control and ensuring tires are properly inflated can save money on long trips.