How do I calculate MPG manually?

To calculate MPG manually, subtract your starting odometer reading from your ending reading to get the distance traveled. Then, divide that distance by the number of gallons used to refill the tank.

What is considered good gas mileage?

Generally, anything over 25 MPG (combined city/highway) is considered decent for a non-hybrid car. Hybrids often achieve 45-50+ MPG.

Gas Mileage Calculator & Cost Estimator

Calculate your MPG (Miles Per Gallon) or km/L and find out exactly how much your trip costs with our free tool.

How to Use This Calculator

Follow these simple steps to find your vehicle's fuel efficiency:

Step 1: Enter the odometer reading from when you last filled up the tank (Start Reading).
Step 2: Enter the current odometer reading from your recent refill (End Reading).
Step 3: Input the amount of fuel (gallons or liters) it took to fill the tank back up.
Step 4: (Optional) Enter the price per gallon/liter to calculate the total trip cost.
Step 5: Click "Calculate MPG & Cost" to see your results immediately.

How the Gas Mileage Formula Works

Understanding how your fuel economy is calculated can help you budget better for road trips and daily commutes. The math is simple:

Formula:Distance Traveled ÷ Fuel Used = Fuel Efficiency

For example, if you drove 300 miles and used 10 gallons of gas to refill your tank:

300 miles ÷ 10 gallons = 30 MPG (Miles Per Gallon)

If you enter the fuel price (e.g., $3.50/gallon), the calculator also determines your Cost Per Mile and total trip cost.

5 Proven Tips to Improve Your Gas Mileage

Want to save money at the pump? Small changes in driving habits can improve your fuel efficiency by up to 25%.

Check Tire Pressure: Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder.
Avoid Idling: Idling gets 0 MPG. Turn off your engine if you are stopped for more than 60 seconds.
Drive Smoothly: Rapid acceleration and hard braking can lower your mileage by 15% to 30% at highway speeds.
Reduce Weight: Remove heavy items from your trunk. An extra 100 pounds can reduce MPG by up to 1%.
Use Cruise Control: Maintaining a constant speed on the highway helps save fuel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good MPG?

While it varies by vehicle class, a combined 25 to 30 MPG is generally considered good for a standard sedan. Hybrids often achieve 45 to 50+ MPG, while larger trucks or SUVs may average 15 to 20 MPG.

Does using the AC lower gas mileage?

Yes. Using the air conditioner puts extra load on the engine, which can reduce fuel economy, especially at low speeds. On the highway, however, using AC is often more efficient than opening windows (which creates aerodynamic drag).

Why is my calculated mileage different from the sticker?

EPA sticker estimates are based on controlled lab tests. Real-world mileage varies due to driving style, road conditions, weather, and vehicle maintenance.