Fuel Cost Calculator
Calculate your annual and monthly fuel costs, CO₂ emissions, and see how you compare to average and efficient vehicles.
Your Vehicle
How Fuel Costs Add Up
The average American drives about 13,500 miles per year. At $3.50/gallon with a 28 MPG vehicle, that's roughly $1,688/year in fuel. Over 5 years, that's $8,440 — and that's at today's prices. Fuel has historically trended upward, so calculating at a slightly higher price (e.g., $4.00/gallon) gives a more conservative estimate.
CO₂ Emissions from Gasoline
Burning one gallon of regular gasoline produces approximately 19.6 lbs of CO₂. Diesel produces 22.4 lbs/gallon but delivers more miles per gallon. E85 ethanol blend produces less net CO₂ when accounting for the plant absorption during corn growth, but raw combustion emissions are similar. Over 12,000 miles, the average 28 MPG car emits about 8,400 lbs (3.8 metric tons) of CO₂ per year.
Ways to Reduce Fuel Costs
Tire inflation alone can improve MPG by 0.5–3%. Removing roof racks and cargo boxes reduces aerodynamic drag by 2–8% at highway speeds. Avoiding jackrabbit acceleration and hard braking (smooth driving) saves 15–30% in city conditions. Using regular-grade fuel when your vehicle's manual says "regular recommended" (vs. "required") saves money with no performance penalty.