Trip Fuel Cost Calculator
Price out a road trip before you leave. Enter your distance, your vehicle's fuel consumption, and the price of fuel, and compare up to three vehicles on the same trip.
Vehicle 1
Vehicle 2
Vehicle 3
Your results
| Vehicle | Distance used | Litres used | Cost per 100 km | Total fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | 450 km | 38.3 L | $13.60 | $61.20 |
| SUV | 450 km | 50.4 L | $17.92 | $80.64 |
| Hybrid | 450 km | 24.3 L | $8.64 | $38.88 |
Lowest cost vehicle is highlighted. The round-trip toggle doubles distance, litres, and total cost; cost per 100 km does not change.
Worked example
A one-way trip of 450 km in the sedan, which uses 8.5 L/100 km, with fuel at $1.60 per litre:
- Litres used: 450 km × 8.5 ÷ 100 = 38.25 L
- Total cost: 38.25 L × $1.60 = $61.20
- Cost per 100 km: 8.5 L × $1.60 = $13.60
- As a round trip: 900 km, 76.5 L, and $122.40 in total
On the same trip, the SUV at 11.2 L/100 km uses 50.4 L and costs $80.64, while the hybrid at 5.4 L/100 km uses 24.3 L and costs $38.88. The gap between vehicles grows quickly on long drives, which is why the comparison is worth doing before a big trip.
How this calculator works
Canadian fuel consumption is rated in litres per 100 km, which makes the math direct:
Cost per 100 km is simply consumption times price, so it stays the same no matter how far you drive, and it is the fairest way to compare two vehicles. The round-trip toggle doubles the distance before calculating. Real consumption varies with speed, load, roof racks, winter tires, and cold weather; Canadian winter driving commonly uses 10 to 20 percent more fuel than the rated figure, so treat the result as a planning number and keep a margin on long northern routes where stations are far apart.
Common questions
Where do I find my vehicle's L/100 km?
Check the EnerGuide label, your owner's manual, or the Government of Canada fuel consumption ratings search. Use the combined rating, and nudge it up a little for winter or mountain driving.
Should I use the price at home or at my destination?
Use a rough average of the prices along your route. This calculator takes one price so the comparison between vehicles stays fair; for a budget, pick the highest price you expect to pay and you will come in under it.
How do I convert from miles per gallon?
To convert US mpg to L/100 km, divide 235.2 by the mpg figure. For example, 30 mpg is about 7.8 L/100 km. Note that the Imperial gallon used in some Canadian ratings is larger; the 235.2 constant is for US gallons.
Does this include wear, tires, or tolls?
No, this is fuel only. The Canada Revenue Agency publishes a per-kilometre vehicle allowance rate each year that bundles fuel, wear, and depreciation; it is a good reference if you want the true full cost of a trip.
Estimates only. Fuel prices and real-world consumption vary by route, season, vehicle condition, and driving style. Confirm current prices along your route before travelling. Mississippi Maple accepts no liability for travel decisions made using this calculator.