Fuel Cost Calculator
Knowing your real fuel cost per mile is the difference between budgeting by guess and budgeting by number. This calculator turns gas price, MPG, and annual mileage into cost per mile, monthly spend, and annual totals — plus a commute-specific breakdown and an honest EV charging comparison so you can see whether an electric car would actually save you money.
Your Vehicle & Driving
The Fuel Cost Formula
Every fuel-cost figure on this page comes from one relationship:
Cost per mile = gas price ÷ MPG | Annual cost = cost per mile × miles
At $3.50/gallon and 28 MPG, each mile costs 12.5¢. Over 12,000 miles that is $1,500 a year. The EV comparison uses the same shape: electricity rate ÷ mi/kWh gives the per-mile cost (e.g. $0.16 ÷ 3.5 = 4.6¢), then multiplies by miles for the annual figure. These simple products are why small MPG gains and shorter commutes move the annual number so much.
Cost per Mile by Vehicle Class
The table below assumes $3.50/gallon, 12,000 miles/year, and typical EPA-combined economy for each class. Your own numbers will differ — that is exactly what the calculator is for.
| Vehicle | Fuel Economy | Cost / Mile | Annual CostBest |
|---|
Annual cost = 12,000 miles × (price ÷ economy). EV figures use 3.5 mi/kWh at $0.16/kWh. Electricity prices and EV efficiency vary widely by region and model.
How to Use This Calculator (3 Steps)
Case Study
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate fuel cost per mile?
Divide the gas price per gallon by your MPG. $3.50 ÷ 28 = $0.125 per mile.
How much does the average American spend on gas per year?
Roughly 13,500 miles at ~25 MPG and $3.50/gal is about $1,900 per year. A 35 MPG car cuts that to about $1,350.
Is city or highway MPG more realistic?
Real-world economy falls between the two; combined is the best single estimate. Stop-and-go commute = closer to city.
How much does a 5 MPG improvement save per year?
About $280/year for 12,000 miles at $3.50/gal (25→30 MPG). More for higher mileage or prices.
Is it cheaper to drive an EV than a gas car?
Per mile, yes on fuel alone: ~4.6¢ vs ~12.5¢. The full ownership answer depends on purchase price, insurance, and maintenance — see the TCO calculator.