RealCost Tool
Fuel Cost Calculator UK
Calculate the fuel cost for a journey when you know the distance, fuel price and MPG.
This is the quick distance-based fuel calculator. Use it for simple petrol or diesel cost estimates without traffic settings, return journey options or split-cost planning.
Journey fuel cost
Estimate how much petrol or diesel a single known-distance journey may cost.
Litres used
See roughly how much fuel the journey will use based on your vehicle MPG.
Cost per mile
Understand the fuel cost attached to each mile driven.
Calculate fuel cost by distance
Enter the journey distance, fuel price per litre and your vehicle MPG to estimate the total fuel cost, litres used, fuel cost per mile and cost per 100 miles.
This calculator estimates fuel cost only. It does not include parking, tolls, traffic conditions, vehicle wear, insurance, tax or maintenance.
Fuel cost is only part of the journey cost
This calculator is deliberately simple. It shows the estimated fuel cost for a known distance, but it does not include parking, tolls, congestion charges, ferry costs or wear on the car.
RealCost insight: Use this calculator when you want a quick fuel estimate for a known distance. For regular mileage and yearly fuel spend, use the Fuel Cost Per Mile Calculator UK. For return trips, traffic conditions and split costs, use the Trip Fuel Cost Planner UK.
What the calculator includes
The calculator uses three simple inputs for a quick distance-based fuel estimate.
Distance
Enter the total journey distance in miles.
Fuel price per litre
Enter the current petrol or diesel price per litre.
Vehicle MPG
Enter your vehicle’s average miles per gallon.
What the results tell you
Use the total cost, litres used and per-mile figure to understand the fuel cost of the journey.
Total fuel cost
The estimated petrol or diesel cost for the journey.
Fuel used
The estimated litres of fuel needed for the distance entered.
Fuel cost per mile
The estimated fuel cost for each mile driven.
Cost per 100 miles
A useful comparison figure for longer journeys and different cars.
Example fuel cost result
This example uses a 100-mile journey, fuel at £1.50 per litre and a 45 MPG car.
Distance
100 miles
Fuel price
£1.50/L
Vehicle MPG
45 MPG
Total fuel cost
£15.15
Fuel used
10.10 L
Cost per mile
£0.15
Cost per 100 miles
£15.15
What this means: In this example, a 100-mile journey costs about £15.15 in fuel. The actual cost may be higher or lower depending on driving style, traffic, load, weather and real-world MPG.
Which fuel calculator should you use?
RealCost has different fuel tools for different decisions. Use the one that matches the job.
Use this calculator
Best for a quick fuel estimate when you already know the total distance.
Use fuel cost per mile
Better for comparing annual mileage, running cost per mile and yearly fuel spend.
Use the trip planner
Better for return trips, traffic conditions and splitting fuel costs with passengers.
Use commute calculator
Better for regular work journeys, weekly mileage and parking or tolls per workday.
What can change the real fuel cost?
The calculator gives a useful estimate, but real-world fuel use can vary.
Traffic
Stop-start driving can increase fuel use.
Driving style
Hard acceleration and high speeds usually cost more.
Vehicle load
Passengers, luggage and roof boxes can reduce efficiency.
Weather
Cold weather and poor conditions can affect fuel economy.
Tyres
Incorrect tyre pressure can reduce MPG.
Real MPG
Your actual MPG may differ from the official figure.
Fuel is not the full cost of driving
For a proper car cost decision, compare fuel with depreciation, insurance, tax and maintenance.
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What to calculate next
Use these tools to compare journey costs, commute costs, EV costs and full ownership costs.
Fuel Cost Per Mile Calculator UK
Calculate fuel cost per mile, per 100 miles, per month and per year.
Trip Fuel Cost Planner UK
Plan longer trips, return journeys, traffic conditions and split fuel costs.
Commute Calculator UK
Estimate the weekly, monthly and yearly cost of driving to work.
Electric vs Petrol Running Cost Calculator
Compare petrol fuel costs with EV charging costs for regular mileage.
EV Charging Cost Calculator UK
Estimate electric charging cost per mile, per 100 miles and per year.
Car Cost Calculator UK
Estimate the wider monthly and yearly cost of owning a car.
Related travel cost guides
Use these guides when fuel cost is part of a wider route, commute or travel decision.
Plan & Compare Travel Costs UK
Explore travel cost tools and guides in one place.
Should I Drive or Use Public Transport UK?
Compare whether driving or public transport makes more sense.
How to Reduce Car Running Costs UK
Cut fuel, insurance, maintenance and ownership costs where possible.