How the fuel cost calculator works
This tool uses the standard US fuel economy formula: divide miles driven by miles per gallon to get the gallons of fuel needed, then multiply by the current price per gallon. It's the same math AAA, the EPA, and most fleet operators use to forecast fuel spend.
When to use it
Use it before a road trip to budget your gas, before accepting a longer commute to see the daily cost, or to compare two vehicles you're considering buying. Even small differences in MPG add up to hundreds of dollars per year.
Tips for accurate results
Use your vehicle's real-world MPG (often 5–15% lower than the EPA sticker), and check current gas prices in your zip code on AAA or GasBuddy. For mixed city/highway driving, average the two EPA figures.