How the fuel cost calculator is calculated
fuel cost = gallons × price per gallon
metric: liters used = km × (liters per 100 km ÷ 100), then times the price per liter
Worked example: 240 miles at 18 mpg
These are the example defaults loaded in the calculator above: 240 miles at 18 miles per gallon, with an example fuel price of $3.80 a gallon.
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| 240 miles ÷ 18 mpg | 13.33 gallons |
| 13.33 gallons x $3.80 (example price) | $50.67 |
| Round trip, double the distance | $101.33 |
| Cost per mile | $0.211 |
Every default in the calculator is an example so you can see a result straight away. None is a market average. Replace each with your own costs and rates.
Cost per mile
Divide the cost of a trip by its distance and you have the fuel cost per mile or per kilometer. At 18 miles per gallon and $3.80 a gallon, each mile costs about 21 cents in fuel. The calculator shows it under the total so you can compare it against a rate you charge or a rate you are paid.
Fuel is not the whole cost of driving
The result counts fuel only. Tires, repairs, insurance, depreciation and the driver's time are separate costs. If you are charging a customer for travel, a per-mile rate or a travel line that covers more than fuel may be fairer to you. This page is not the government mileage reimbursement rate. For that, use the mileage reimbursement calculator.
Charging fuel to a customer
Some jobs include a travel or fuel line and some do not. Decide before the job, put it in the quote, and show it as its own line on the invoice so the customer is not surprised. The button under the result sends the trip as a line you can edit.
Turn this into a quote or invoice line
The button under the result carries the trip into the document generator as a travel line you can edit. For a business mileage figure instead of a fuel estimate, use the mileage reimbursement calculator. For a whole job price with a trip charge, try the handyman rate calculator.
Related calculators
- Mileage reimbursement calculatorReimbursement for business miles
- Hourly invoice calculatorHours and a rate into an invoice total
- Handyman rate calculatorA job price with a trip charge
- Service price calculatorTurn costs and margin into a price
Questions people ask
How do I calculate fuel cost for a trip?
Divide the distance by your miles per gallon to get the gallons used, then multiply by the price per gallon. 240 miles at 18 mpg uses 13.33 gallons, which is $50.67 at $3.80 a gallon.
How do I work out cost per mile?
Divide the fuel cost of the trip by its distance. $50.67 over 240 miles is about $0.21 a mile. For fuel economy in liters per 100 km, switch the units above.
Can I charge fuel on an invoice?
Often yes, as a separate travel or fuel line, if it was agreed. Say so in the quote before the job. The button under the result sends the fuel cost as an editable line.
Is this the same as the IRS mileage rate?
No. The mileage rate is a set rate per business mile for reimbursement and deductions. This page estimates the cost of the fuel itself from your own vehicle and the price you pay.
How do I split the fuel between passengers?
Enter the number of people sharing the cost. The calculator divides the total by that number.