The Gas Cost Per Month Calculator helps you estimate your total fuel expenses for a month. By using information about your driving habits, your vehicle's fuel efficiency, and the current price of gas, this tool provides a clear and reliable forecast of what you can expect to spend. This makes it an essential tool for creating a monthly budget, planning for travel expenses, or understanding how much a change in your commute or vehicle could impact your finances.
formula
You can determine your monthly gas cost by using a primary formula that relies on a few supporting calculations. These formulas are available for both the US/Imperial and Metric systems to suit your needs.
Primary Formula: Total Monthly Gas Cost
This is the main formula to determine your total estimated fuel expense for one month.
Using US/Imperial System (Gallons):
Total Monthly Cost = Total Gallons Needed Per Month * Price Per Gallon
Using Metric System (Liters):
Total Monthly Cost = Total Liters Needed Per Month * Price Per Liter
Supporting Formulas: Calculating Fuel Needed Per Month
These formulas calculate the amount of fuel you will need based on your driving habits and your vehicle's efficiency.
For US/Imperial System (Miles and Gallons)
1. Total Gallons Needed Per Month
Formula:
Total Gallons Needed Per Month = Total Miles Driven Per Month / Your Car's MPG (Miles Per Gallon)
2. Total Miles Driven Per Month
You may need to calculate this first if you only know your daily or weekly driving distance.
Formula (from daily driving):
Total Miles Driven Per Month = Average Miles Driven Per Day * 30.4
Formula (from weekly driving):
Total Miles Driven Per Month = Average Miles Driven Per Week * 4.33
For Metric System (Kilometers and Liters)
1. Total Liters Needed Per Month
The calculation is slightly different because the efficiency metric is Liters per 100 Kilometers.
Formula:
Total Liters Needed Per Month = (Total Kilometers Driven Per Month / 100) * Your Car's L/100km
2. Total Kilometers Driven Per Month
You may need to calculate this first if you only know your daily or weekly driving distance.
Formula (from daily driving):
Total Kilometers Driven Per Month = Average Kilometers Driven Per Day * 30.4
Formula (from weekly driving):
Total Kilometers Driven Per Month = Average Kilometers Driven Per Week * 4.33
Fuel Efficiency Reference Table
This table provides average fuel efficiency ratings for different types of vehicles. You can use these values as an estimate if you are unsure of your own car's rating.
| Vehicle Type | MPG (Miles Per Gallon) | L/100km (Liters per 100km) |
| Compact Car | 30 - 40 MPG | 5.9 - 7.8 L/100km |
| Mid-Size Sedan | 25 - 35 MPG | 6.7 - 9.4 L/100km |
| Small SUV | 24 - 30 MPG | 7.8 - 9.8 L/100km |
| Large SUV | 18 - 24 MPG | 9.8 - 13.1 L/100km |
| Pickup Truck | 16 - 22 MPG | 10.7 - 14.7 L/100km |
| Minivan | 20 - 26 MPG | 9.0 - 11.8 L/100km |
| Hybrid Car | 45 - 55 MPG | 4.3 - 5.2 L/100km |
Example
Let's calculate the estimated monthly gas cost for a person with the following details:
Average Miles Driven Per Day: 35 miles
Car's Fuel Efficiency: 28 MPG
Price Per Gallon: $3.50
First, you calculate the total miles driven per month.
Total Miles Driven Per Month = 35 miles/day * 30.4 = 1,064 miles
Next, you determine the total gallons of gas needed for the month.
Total Gallons Needed Per Month = 1,064 miles / 28 MPG = 38 gallons
Finally, you calculate the total monthly gas cost.
Total Monthly Cost = 38 gallons * $3.50/gallon = $133.00
Based on these inputs, the estimated gas cost for the month is $133.00.
Most Common FAQs
The calculator provides an estimate based on the average values you enter. In reality, your actual fuel costs can vary due to several factors. Your car's fuel efficiency changes based on driving conditions; for example, you use more gas in stop-and-go city traffic than on the open highway. Aggressive driving habits, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, also consume more fuel. Furthermore, the price of gas can fluctuate throughout the month. The calculation provides a reliable baseline, but your final cost will depend on these real-world variables.
You can take several simple steps to get more miles out of each gallon. First, ensure your tires are properly inflated, as underinflated tires increase resistance and use more fuel. Second, remove any unnecessary weight from your vehicle, such as heavy items stored in the trunk. Third, stick to a regular maintenance schedule, including oil changes and air filter replacements, to keep your engine running efficiently. Finally, adopting a smoother driving style with gentle acceleration and coasting to stops can make a significant difference.
Yes, the type of driving you do has a direct impact on your fuel consumption and, therefore, your monthly cost. Vehicles are typically rated for both "city" and "highway" MPG. Highway driving is more fuel-efficient because you maintain a steady speed with fewer stops. City driving, with its frequent acceleration and braking, uses significantly more fuel. If you spend most of your time in urban traffic, your actual MPG will be closer to the lower "city" rating, which will result in a higher monthly gas cost than if you primarily drive on highways.