A fuel efficiency calculator helps you track your vehicle's actual mileage (km/l), calculate fuel cost per kilometre, estimate trip fuel requirements, and compare running costs between petrol, diesel, CNG, and electric vehicles. With Indian fuel prices at ₹95-110/litre (2026), knowing your exact fuel costs can save thousands per month.
Calculate Fuel Efficiency & Trip Cost
Enter distance, fuel, and price to see mileage and cost per km. Compare fuel types.
How to Calculate Vehicle Mileage (km/l)
Mileage (km/l) = Distance Travelled (km) / Fuel Consumed (litres)Example
Full tank: 40 litres. Distance covered: 520 km.
Mileage = 520 / 40 = 13 km/l
Typical Mileage by Vehicle Type (India)
| Vehicle Type | City (km/l) | Highway (km/l) |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchback (Petrol) | 14-18 | 18-22 |
| Sedan (Petrol) | 12-16 | 16-20 |
| SUV (Petrol) | 8-12 | 12-16 |
| Hatchback (Diesel) | 18-24 | 22-28 |
| SUV (Diesel) | 12-16 | 16-22 |
| CNG (Hatchback) | 22-28 km/kg | 28-32 km/kg |
| Electric (Hatchback) | 8-10 km/kWh | 6-8 km/kWh |
Most accurate way: fill tank completely → note odometer → drive normally → fill tank completely again → note odometer and litres filled. Mileage = (Odometer2 - Odometer1) / Litres filled. Repeat 3-4 times for reliable average.
Fuel Cost Per Kilometre
Cost per km = Fuel Price (₹/litre) / Mileage (km/l)Running Cost Comparison (2026 India Prices)
| Fuel Type | Price | Avg Mileage | Cost/km |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | ₹102/litre | 15 km/l | ₹6.80/km |
| Diesel | ₹90/litre | 20 km/l | ₹4.50/km |
| CNG | ₹76/kg | 25 km/kg | ₹3.04/km |
| Electric | ₹8/kWh (home) | 9 km/kWh | ₹0.89/km |
Electric vehicles cost ~₹1/km — roughly 7× cheaper than petrol per km. Even with higher purchase price, EVs save ₹3-5 lakh over 5 years in fuel costs alone for daily commuters.
Diesel cars cost ₹1-2L more upfront but save ₹2.30/km. Break-even: at 1,500 km/month, diesel recovers the extra cost in ~2 years. Below 1,000 km/month, petrol is more economical considering lower maintenance costs.
Trip Fuel Calculator
Fuel needed = Trip distance (km) / Vehicle mileage (km/l)
Fuel cost = Fuel needed × Price per litreExample: Mumbai to Goa (590 km)
| Vehicle | Mileage | Fuel Needed | Cost (one way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchback Petrol | 18 km/l (hwy) | 32.8 L | ₹3,345 |
| SUV Diesel | 16 km/l (hwy) | 36.9 L | ₹3,319 |
| CNG Hatchback | 30 km/kg (hwy) | 19.7 kg | ₹1,497 |
| Electric (Nexon EV) | 7.5 km/kWh | 78.7 kWh | ₹630 (home charge) |
Tips to Improve Fuel Efficiency
- Maintain tyre pressure — Under-inflated tyres reduce mileage by 3-5%. Check weekly.
- Drive at 60-80 km/h on highways — fuel efficiency drops sharply above 80 km/h (aerodynamic drag increases with speed squared)
- Avoid idling — turn off engine if stopped for more than 30 seconds
- Use cruise control on highways — maintains constant speed, avoids throttle fluctuation
- Service regularly — dirty air filter alone can reduce mileage by 10%
- Remove roof rack when not in use — reduces aerodynamic drag, saves 5-10% fuel at highway speeds
- Use correct engine oil grade — manufacturer-recommended grade reduces friction
- AC at 24°C, not max — AC at full blast can reduce mileage by 10-20%
Understanding Indian Fuel Prices
Indian fuel prices include multiple taxes:
| Component | Petrol (₹/l approx) | Diesel (₹/l approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Base price | ₹38-42 | ₹40-44 |
| Central excise | ₹19.90 | ₹15.80 |
| State VAT | ₹15-30 (varies) | ₹10-20 |
| Dealer commission | ₹3-4 | ₹3-4 |
| Retail price | ₹95-110 | ₹85-100 |
Taxes constitute 55-60% of petrol price and 50-55% of diesel price. Prices vary by state due to different VAT rates — Rajasthan and Maharashtra have the highest; Goa and Puducherry the lowest.
How to Use the Tool (Step by Step)
- 1
Open the Calculator
Navigate to Fuel Efficiency Calculator on ToolsArena.
- 2
Enter Distance and Fuel
Enter distance travelled (km) and fuel consumed (litres) for mileage calculation.
- 3
Set Fuel Price
Enter current fuel price per litre for cost calculations.
- 4
View Results
See mileage (km/l), cost per km, and trip fuel estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my car mileage?+−
Fill tank completely → note odometer → drive normally → fill again → note odometer and litres. Mileage = distance / litres. Example: 520 km driven, 40 litres filled = 13 km/l.
What is good mileage for a car in India?+−
Petrol hatchback: 15+ km/l city, 20+ highway is good. Diesel: 20+ city, 25+ highway. CNG: 25+ km/kg. These are real-world numbers — ARAI certified figures are 10-30% higher than actual.
Is diesel still cheaper to run than petrol?+−
Yes, per km. Diesel costs ₹4.50/km vs petrol ₹6.80/km. But diesel cars cost ₹1-2L more upfront. Break-even at ~1,500 km/month driving. Below that, petrol is more economical overall.
How much does an electric car cost per km?+−
~₹0.89/km on home charging (₹8/kWh). About 7× cheaper than petrol. Even with public fast charging (₹15-20/kWh), it is still 3× cheaper than petrol.
Why does ARAI mileage differ from real-world?+−
ARAI tests under ideal conditions (no AC, no traffic, constant speed, flat road). Real-world mileage is typically 15-30% lower due to traffic, AC usage, driving style, and road conditions.
How much fuel for a road trip?+−
Divide trip distance by your vehicle's highway mileage. Mumbai-Goa (590 km) in a hatchback (18 km/l highway) = ~33 litres = ~₹3,350. Add 10% buffer for detours and city driving at destination.
Is this calculator free?+−
Yes. Calculate in your browser. No vehicle data stored.
Calculate Fuel Efficiency & Trip Cost
Enter distance, fuel, and price to see mileage and cost per km. Compare fuel types.
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