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Fuel Cost Calculator

Calculate your fuel costs for a trip based on distance, fuel consumption and current Australian petrol prices.

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Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates for general information purposes only. Results are based on standard formulas and may not reflect your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average fuel consumption in Australia?
The average passenger car in Australia uses about 8 litres per 100km. Small cars average 6L/100km, medium sedans 7-9L/100km, SUVs 9-11L/100km, and large utes 10-13L/100km. Actual consumption depends on driving conditions — city driving uses 20-30% more fuel than highway driving due to stop-start traffic.
How can I reduce fuel costs?
Drive smoothly (avoid hard acceleration/braking), maintain correct tyre pressure, remove unnecessary weight, use cruise control on highways, and fill up on cheaper days (Tuesday/Wednesday are often cheapest). Apps like FuelMap and Petrol Spy show real-time prices at nearby stations. A well-maintained engine can save 10-15% on fuel.

What is Fuel Cost?

A fuel cost calculator estimates how much you'll spend on petrol or diesel for a trip based on the distance, your vehicle's fuel consumption, and the current fuel price.

How this calculator works

Enter the distance in kilometres, your vehicle's fuel consumption (litres per 100km — found on the fuel consumption label or in your car's manual), and the current fuel price per litre. The calculator multiplies these to find total litres needed and total cost. Quick presets include common Australian road trips (Sydney to Melbourne 880km, Sydney to Brisbane 920km) and vehicle types (small car 6L/100km, SUV 10L/100km). The annual cost estimate assumes 300km per week, which is the average Australian driving distance.

All calculations are performed in your browser — your data never leaves your device. Results are for general guidance only and should not be considered professional financial advice.

Built and maintained by Konstantin Iakovlev. Data sourced from the ATO and official Australian government sources.