Gas Mileage & Fuel Cost Formulas
Miles Per Gallon (MPG)
MPG =
Miles DrivenGallons Used
Trip Fuel Cost
Cost =
DistanceMPG
× Price/GalCost Per Mile
$/Mile =
Price Per GallonVehicle MPG
Step-by-Step Calculation Breakdown
Example: 300 Miles on 10 Gallons of Gas at $3.50 / Gallon
1. Calculate MPG: 300 miles ÷ 10.0 gallons = 30.0 MPG
2. Calculate Cost Per Mile: $3.50 ÷ 30.0 MPG = $0.1167 / mile
3. Calculate Total Fuel Expense: 10.0 gal × $3.50 = $35.00
4. Metric Equivalent: 30.0 MPG × 0.4251 = 12.75 km/L (7.84 L/100km)
Fuel Economy & Cost:30.0 MPG (11.7¢ / Mile)
How to Maximize Fuel Efficiency
- Maintain Proper Tire Inflation: Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, reducing fuel economy by up to 3%.
- Avoid Rapid Acceleration & Hard Braking: Aggressive highway driving lowers gas mileage by 15% to 30%.
- Minimize Extended Idling: Idling consumes up to a half-gallon of fuel per hour with zero miles traveled.