How this calculator works
Consumption in litres per 100 kilometres is a rate: the fuel used scales with distance divided by 100. Multiplying that fuel quantity by the price per litre gives the trip cost, calculated from the unrounded litres so display rounding does not compound. The result covers fuel only; tolls, parking, maintenance and depreciation are separate costs, and a round trip must have its full distance entered.
Formula
fuel_litres = distance_km x litres_per_100km / 100. trip_cost = fuel_litres x price_per_litre.
Worked example
A 350 km trip at 7.8 L/100 km needs 27.3 litres. At $1.65 a litre the fuel cost is $45.05.
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Frequently asked questions
Should I enter one-way or return distance?
Enter the total distance you will actually drive. The calculator does not double a one-way figure, so a return trip is entered at twice the one-way distance.
Can I use US gallons?
Convert first: divide the US dollar price per US gallon by 3.785411784 to get dollars per litre, and enter kilometres after converting miles with 1 mile = 1.609344 km.
Why is my real cost higher than this?
The estimate assumes a constant consumption rate and a flat pump price. Cold weather, traffic, a loaded vehicle and price changes along the route can all move the real figure.