How to use the Fuel Cost Calculator
- 1 Enter the distance in kilometres.
- 2 Enter your fuel economy in L/100 km.
- 3 Enter the gas price in cents a litre.
- 4 Optionally enter trips a month.
Worked example
A 500 km trip in a car that uses 8.5 L/100 km, with gas at 155¢ a litre. The trip uses 42.5 litres and costs about $65.88, about 13 cents per kilometre. Driving the same trip in a hybrid that uses 5 L/100 km would cost about $38.75 instead.
Features
Canadian units
L/100 km and cents per litre.
Cost per km
The real cost of each kilometre.
Monthly and yearly
Commute costs over time.
When to use it
Road trips
Budget gas for a drive across provinces.
Commuting
Compare driving with transit.
Buying a car
Compare fuel costs of two models.
Ride sharing
Split trip costs fairly.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate fuel cost?
Litres = distance × L/100 km ÷ 100. Cost = litres × price per litre.
What is a good fuel economy?
Many compact cars use 6 to 8 L/100 km and SUVs 9 to 12 L/100 km. Hybrids can use under 5.
How do I convert mpg to L/100 km?
Divide 235.2 by US mpg, or 282.5 by imperial mpg.
Why does winter use more fuel?
Cold weather, winter tires and warm-up time can raise consumption by 15% to 30%.
Where can I find my car's rating?
Natural Resources Canada's Fuel Consumption Guide lists official ratings.
How do I split gas costs?
Divide the trip cost by the number of people.
Is diesel cheaper to run?
Diesel engines often use 20% to 30% less fuel, but diesel can cost more per litre.
How much does an EV cost to charge?
Usually 2 to 4 cents per km at home, depending on your electricity rate.
Does speed affect fuel use?
Yes. Driving at 120 km/h instead of 100 km/h can increase fuel use by about 20%.
Can I claim fuel costs on taxes?
Self-employed people and some employees can claim the business share of vehicle costs, with a logbook.
How do I find my real fuel economy?
Fill the tank, reset the trip meter, drive normally, then refill. Divide litres added by kilometres driven and multiply by 100.
Why are gas prices different by province?
Provincial fuel taxes, carbon pricing and transport costs vary, so prices differ across Canada.
Does a roof rack use more fuel?
Yes. Roof racks and boxes add drag and can increase fuel use by up to 20% on the highway.
How do I compare transit and driving?
Add gas, parking and wear on the car per km, often 10 to 20 cents more, and compare with a monthly transit pass.
Does idling waste much fuel?
Yes. Idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than restarting the engine, and a typical car burns about 1 litre an hour while idling.
Results are estimates based on the official rates linked above. Confirm important figures with the issuing authority or a qualified adviser before you act on them.
Reviewed by ToolsUnlocked Team · Last updated