Calculating Fuel Costs: Plan Your Budget
📅 4 December 2025 ⏱️ 8 min read
With petrol prices fluctuating, knowing how to calculate your fuel costs accurately can help you budget better and find ways to save money.
Understanding Fuel Consumption
Fuel consumption is typically measured in miles per gallon (MPG) in the UK. The higher the MPG, the more efficient your vehicle.
Average MPG by Vehicle Type
- Small cars: 45-55 MPG
- Medium cars: 40-50 MPG
- Large cars/SUVs: 30-40 MPG
- Electric vehicles: 3-4 miles per kWh (see our EV charging guide)
How to Calculate Fuel Costs
Use this simple formula:
Fuel Cost = (Distance ÷ MPG) × Price per Gallon
Example Calculation
Journey: London to Manchester (200 miles)
Vehicle MPG: 45
Petrol price: £1.45 per litre (£6.59 per gallon)
Calculation: (200 ÷ 45) × £6.59 = £29.29
Current UK Fuel Prices (Average)
- Unleaded petrol: £1.45 per litre
- Diesel: £1.50 per litre
- Super unleaded: £1.55 per litre
- E10 petrol: £1.42 per litre
💡 Tip
Use our fuel cost calculator to get instant estimates for your journey, including both fuel and toll costs.
Ways to Save on Fuel
- Drive smoothly - avoid harsh acceleration and braking
- Maintain proper tyre pressure (can improve MPG by 3%)
- Remove unnecessary weight from your car
- Use cruise control on motorways
- Plan routes to avoid traffic congestion
- Use supermarket fuel loyalty schemes
- Consider fuel-efficient driving techniques