How to calculate fuel cost for a trip
Litres required equals the trip distance in kilometres multiplied by fuel economy in L/100 km, divided by 100. Multiply the litres required by the price per litre to calculate the trip's fuel cost.
When round trip is selected, the calculator doubles the one-way distance before applying the formula. It also shows cost per kilometre and cost per 100 km, which make trips of different lengths easier to compare.
- Litres required = distance × (L/100 km ÷ 100).
- Fuel cost = litres required × price per litre.
- Cost per person = selected trip cost ÷ number of people.
Use Canadian fuel and distance inputs
Enter distance in kilometres, fuel price in Canadian dollars per litre, and consumption in litres per 100 kilometres. Use the vehicle's recent real-world average when available rather than assuming its best published rating.
Fuel prices vary by province, city, station, and date. Enter a current local price because this calculator does not pull live gas prices. Winter temperatures, traffic, speed, elevation, idling, roof racks, towing, payload, and tire pressure can all increase consumption.
Budgeting for a Canadian road trip
This is a fuel-only estimate, not the full cost of a drive. Tolls, ferries, parking, charging, food, accommodation, maintenance, and vehicle depreciation are not included.
Use the actual driving route rather than straight-line distance. If the return route or expected fuel economy is different, calculate each leg separately and add the results.
Worked example
A 600 km Canadian round trip
A car averaging 7.8 L/100 km uses about 23.4 litres for a 300 km one-way drive. At $1.62 per litre, that leg costs about $37.91.
The 600 km round trip uses about 46.8 litres and costs $75.82. That is about $0.126 per kilometre or $12.64 per 100 km. Split between two people, the estimate is $37.91 each.Frequently asked questions
How much fuel will my trip use?
Multiply the distance in kilometres by the vehicle's L/100 km figure, then divide by 100. For example, 500 km at 8 L/100 km uses about 40 litres.
How much does it cost to drive 100 km?
Multiply the vehicle's L/100 km figure by the price per litre. At 7.8 L/100 km and $1.62 per litre, the estimated fuel cost is about $12.64 per 100 km.
Should I enter highway or combined fuel economy?
Use the figure that best matches the trip. A recent real-world average is usually more representative than a laboratory rating, especially in Canadian winter or heavy traffic.
Can I split the fuel cost between passengers?
Yes. Enter the number of people sharing the fuel expense and the calculator divides the selected one-way or round-trip total equally.
Does the total include tolls, ferries, charging, or parking?
No. It estimates liquid fuel only. Add tolls, ferries, parking, charging, and other trip expenses separately.