Fuel Cost Calculator
Written by Thierno Sadou Diallo, formula verified per our methodology • Last checked on 9/5/2026
A trip's fuel cost is calculated with (distance ÷ 100) × consumption × price per liter. For 300 km at 6 L/100km and €1.85/L, the total cost is €33.30.
Explanation
This calculator estimates the fuel budget for a trip from three elements: the distance to cover, the vehicle's average fuel consumption (expressed in liters per 100 km, the standard in France), and the fuel price per liter. It first divides the distance by 100 to get the number of "100 km portions," then multiplies by the consumption and the price. Optionally, the result can be split between several people for a carpooled trip — useful for fairly sharing the cost of a shared journey. Actual consumption varies with driving style, traffic, vehicle load, and road type (highway or city): use the average consumption stated by the manufacturer as a starting point, or your usual actual consumption if you know it, for a more reliable result. For the carbon footprint of this same trip rather than its cost, see our trip carbon footprint calculator.
Example: 300 km at 6 L/100km, fuel at €1.85/L
Inputs
Distance: 300 km. Consumption: 6 L/100km. Price: €1.85/L. 1 person.
Calculation
Total cost = (300 ÷ 100) × 6 × 1.85 = 3 × 6 × 1.85 = €33.30.
Result
This trip costs about €33.30 in fuel.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find my vehicle's average consumption?
It's generally listed in the manufacturer's spec sheet (in L/100km, combined cycle). The manufacturer figure remains a homologation value under standardized conditions: actual consumption is often somewhat higher in everyday use, especially in the city or with a dynamic driving style.
Does this calculator account for tolls?
No, it only calculates the fuel cost. For a highway trip, add the toll cost separately (which varies by route and vehicle type) to this calculator's result to get the total cost of the trip.
How do you fairly split the cost when carpooling?
This calculator simply divides the total cost by the number of people, including the driver: this is the simplest and most common method for fairly sharing fuel costs among all the vehicle's occupants.