Gas Calculator
Figure out fill-up cost, cost per mile, weekly fuel spend, and trip budgets instantly.
Gas & Trip Inputs
Results
Gallons needed: 0.0
What is a Gas Calculator?
The Gas Calculator helps drivers forecast fuel costs by combining tank size, fuel level, gas price, MPG, and upcoming mileage. It delivers fill-up cost, cost per mile, weekly budget, monthly budget, and trip cost in one compact view.
Use it whenever gas prices jump, planning a road trip, or deciding whether to delay filling up.
Feed it insights from the Fuel Cost Calculator for single drives, sync with the Commute Calculator for work travel, coordinate arrivals via the Drive Time Calculator, and translate maintenance data using the Engine Hours to Miles Converter.
Best for:
- Budgeting paychecks - Predict weekly or monthly gas spending to avoid surprise bills.
- Road trip planning - Estimate how much gas money to set aside for an upcoming drive.
- Fuel economy tracking - Combine MPG data with price changes to see cost per mile trends.
- Fleet reimbursements - Share reliable per-mile costs with employees or clients.
How the Gas Calculator Works
We calculate gallons required to fill the tank based on current level and target level. Multiplying gallons by the current price yields fill-up cost. MPG converts miles into gallons for weekly, monthly, and trip estimates.
All budgets update instantly when you change price, MPG, or mileage assumptions.
- Cost per mile = Price ÷ MPG.
- Monthly cost uses 4.33 weeks per month to reflect average calendar length.
- Range after fill = Tank Size × Target% × MPG.
Key Concepts Explained
Tank percentages
Accurate fill estimates require realistic current and target fuel levels.
MPG realism
City-heavy drivers should enter lower MPG than the EPA highway rating.
Price volatility
Updating price weekly shows how quickly your budget shifts.
Trip buffer
Add 10% extra trip distance to cover detours and HVAC usage.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter tank details
Input total tank size, current level, and desired fill level.
Add MPG & price
Use your real-world MPG average and today's pump price.
Provide weekly miles
Enter typical miles to see ongoing budgets.
Plan trips
Add an upcoming trip distance to see fuel cost before you go.
Benefits of Using This Gas Calculator
- • Instant budgeting – Know how much cash you need for the next fill and the rest of the month.
- • Smart trip planning – Set aside accurate gas money for vacations or business travel.
- • Fuel efficiency awareness – Track cost per mile as MPG or price changes.
- • Stress-free refuels – Decide whether to top off now or wait for a cheaper station.
Factors That Affect Your Results
- • Driving style – Aggressive acceleration lowers MPG and raises cost per mile.
- • Seasonal blends – Winter fuel often reduces MPG by 5-10%.
- • Tire pressure – Underinflated tires decrease efficiency and raise costs.
- • Route mix – Hills and stop-and-go traffic consume more fuel than steady highway cruising.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the fill-up cost calculated?
We multiply the gallons needed to reach your target tank level by the current gas price. Gallons needed equals tank size × (target level − current level).
Can this help me budget for commuting?
Yes. Enter your average weekly miles and MPG to see weekly and monthly fuel spending at today's price.
What if my tank is already full?
Set current level equal to target level. Fill-up cost will show $0 while weekly/monthly projections still work.
How accurate is the trip cost estimate?
It assumes your vehicle achieves the MPG you entered for the entire trip. Adjust MPG down for towing, winter gas, or heavy traffic to stay conservative.
Does this calculator handle hybrid or EV fuel?
It focuses on gasoline or diesel. For EV charging, use an energy cost calculator that multiplies kWh consumption by electricity rates.