Fuel Economy Calculator
How do you measure vehicle fuel economy? Measure fuel economy in MPG, km/L, or L/100 km.
Change an input to update the diagram.
Answer first
How do you measure vehicle fuel economy?
The Fuel Economy Calculator measures vehicle efficiency in multiple units simultaneously: MPG, km/L, and L/100 km from a single set of inputs. Perfect for international drivers, vehicle importers, or anyone comparing fuel economy data across different measurement standards.
How it works
Fuel Economy Calculator: inputs, formula, and result
This comprehensive tool analyzes distance traveled against fuel consumed, offering outputs in multiple global formats like MPG, kilometers per liter, or liters per 100 kilometers. It translates your raw driving data into universally understood efficiency metrics.
Formula
MPG = Distance ÷ Fuel; km/L = MPG × 0.425144; L/100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG
Worked example
360 miles on 12 gallons = 30 MPG = 12.75 km/L = 7.84 L/100 km.
Personalized guidance
What changes the result for Fuel Economy?
Efficiency readings change depending on the measurement standard selected, the accuracy of your odometer, and the exact volume metric used at the pump. Traffic, tire pressure, vehicle load, terrain, driving style, weather, fuel price, and the quality of the input data can change the final result.
When should you use this calculator?
Turn to this calculator when importing foreign vehicles, reading international car reviews, or driving across borders. It eliminates confusion by seamlessly converting fuel performance figures into the familiar units required for accurate international comparisons and long-distance travel planning.
FAQ
FAQs about Fuel Economy
What is the most accurate way to measure fuel economy?
The full-tank method: fill completely, drive a full tank, fill again, then divide distance by fuel added. Onboard estimates can be off by 5-10%.
How do EPA fuel economy ratings work?
The EPA tests on a dynamometer simulating city and highway cycles. Results are adjusted downward (about 20% city, 13% highway) to approximate real-world driving.
Why do some countries use L/100 km instead of MPG?
L/100 km scales linearly with cost, making calculations straightforward. MPG is inversely related to cost, which is less intuitive for comparisons.
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