Gas Mileage Calculator
MPG, cost per mile & efficiency
How to Use the Gas Mileage Calculator
Track your vehicle's fuel efficiency by calculating miles per gallon (MPG). Enter miles driven and gallons used to see your MPG, cost per mile, and how your vehicle compares to averages.
How to Track Accurately
- Fill your tank completely and note the odometer reading
- Drive normally until you need to refuel
- Fill completely again and note gallons added
- Calculate miles driven (new odometer - old odometer)
- Enter values in the calculator
Factors Affecting Fuel Economy
- Driving habits (aggressive acceleration/braking reduces MPG)
- Speed (optimal fuel economy is typically 45-65 mph)
- Tire pressure (underinflated tires waste fuel)
- Vehicle maintenance (tune-ups, air filters, etc.)
- Weather and terrain (cold weather and hills reduce MPG)
Tips to Improve Fuel Economy
- Accelerate gradually and anticipate stops
- Remove excess weight from your vehicle
- Use cruise control on highways
- Keep tires properly inflated
Frequently Asked Questions
Fill your tank completely, reset the trip odometer, drive normally until near empty, fill again and note gallons added. Divide miles driven by gallons used. Example: 300 miles / 12 gallons = 25 MPG. Track over multiple fills for accuracy.
Average new car gets 25-30 MPG combined. Fuel-efficient sedans and hybrids achieve 35-55 MPG. SUVs and trucks average 18-25 MPG. Electric vehicles equivalent is 100+ MPGe. Compare to EPA ratings for your vehicle class.
Drive smoothly (no rapid acceleration/braking), maintain steady speeds, keep tires properly inflated, remove excess weight, avoid idling, use cruise control, and keep up with maintenance. These habits can improve MPG by 10-20%.
Calculate: (Round-trip miles / MPG) x gas price x work days. For 30-mile commute, 25 MPG car, $3.50 gas, 22 work days: (30/25) x $3.50 x 22 = $92.40/month. This helps evaluate commute costs vs. remote work or moving closer.
Only if your car requires it (check owner manual). Required premium prevents engine knock in high-compression engines. Premium in cars designed for regular provides no benefit and wastes money - about $0.30-0.60 per gallon extra.
Fuel efficiency typically peaks around 50 MPH and drops significantly above 60 MPH. Every 5 MPH above 50 is like paying an extra $0.15-0.30 per gallon. Use cruise control on highways to maintain optimal, consistent speed.