UK Petrol Cost Calculator
Instantly estimate the fuel cost of your journey. Enter your distance, vehicle MPG, and current pump prices to budget your trip accurately.
Calculate Your Fuel Expenses
Use our precise calculator to determine exactly how much petrol your journey will consume and cost, based on standard UK measurement metrics.
Journey Cost Estimator
Enter your trip details below for an instant breakdown.
How the Calculation Works
The maths behind your estimate
Maximise Your Fuel Efficiency
Small changes in your driving habits and vehicle maintenance can significantly reduce your petrol costs over time.
Smooth Acceleration & Braking
Aggressive driving can lower your gas mileage by 15% to 30% at highway speeds. Anticipate traffic flow and accelerate gently to save fuel.
Check Tyre Pressure Monthly
Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder. Keeping tyres at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure can improve MPG by up to 3%.
Reduce Unnecessary Weight
Every extra 50kg in your vehicle can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 2%. Remove heavy items from the boot and take off roof racks when not in use to improve aerodynamics.
Use Air Conditioning Wisely
At low speeds, open windows are more efficient. However, at highway speeds (above 50 mph), the aerodynamic drag from open windows uses more fuel than running the A/C.
Did You Know?
UK Fuel Facts
Average UK Fuel Efficiency
A general guide to the combined MPG you can expect from different vehicle types, and the estimated cost per 100 miles (assuming 150p/litre).
| Vehicle Type | Average Combined MPG | Litres per 100 Miles | Est. Cost per 100 Miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Petrol Hatchback | 45 – 55 MPG | 8.2 – 10.1 L | £12.30 – £15.15 |
| Medium Petrol Saloon/SUV | 35 – 45 MPG | 10.1 – 13.0 L | £15.15 – £19.50 |
| Medium Diesel Estate/SUV | 45 – 55 MPG | 8.2 – 10.1 L | £12.30 – £15.15 |
| Full Hybrid (Petrol/Electric) | 55 – 65+ MPG | 6.9 – 8.2 L | £10.35 – £12.30 |
| Older Vehicle (Pre-2010) | 25 – 35 MPG | 13.0 – 18.2 L | £19.50 – £27.30 |
Fuel Cost FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about calculating fuel costs and improving vehicle efficiency.
To calculate petrol cost, divide the total distance of your journey (in miles) by your vehicle’s fuel efficiency (in MPG). Multiply this result by 4.54609 to get the litres of fuel needed. Finally, multiply the litres by the current petrol price per litre (in pence) and divide by 100 to get the total cost in pounds (£).
The average fuel efficiency for a standard petrol car in the UK is around 35-40 MPG, while diesel cars average 45-50 MPG. Hybrid vehicles typically achieve 50-65 MPG, depending on driving conditions and battery usage.
This calculator provides an estimate based on manufacturer-rated or average MPG. Real-world fuel consumption can vary by 10-20% depending on traffic conditions, driving style, vehicle load, tyre pressure, and weather.
You can improve fuel efficiency by driving smoothly (avoiding rapid acceleration and heavy braking), maintaining correct tyre pressure, removing unnecessary weight from the vehicle, and ensuring regular engine servicing.