How to Calculate the Cost of a Drive
Calculating the total cost of a drive or trip is an important step in properly budgeting for it. Whether you're visiting relatives or going on vacation, it's important to know approximately how much the drive will cost you. Although fuel is the primary expense, there are other expenses to consider, such as food and drinks. Determine how much your drive or trip will cost you by referring to the proper formula.
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Instructions
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Determine your vehicle's fuel economy rating. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency's fuel economy website (http://www.fueleconomy.gov) to look up your vehicle, and determine its average gas mileage. Note the "Combined" MPG (miles-per-gallon) rating, unless your trip is primarily on the interstate or highway. (If so, use the "Highway" rating.)
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Determine the approximate distance of your trip or drive. Use resources such as Google Maps, Yahoo Maps or Mapquest to determine the distance between your starting location and your destination.
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Determine the current price of fuel. Since fuel prices vary daily between regions, use a real-time fuel cost tracker to estimate the cost of fuel. The AAA offers a website (http://www.fuelcostcalculator.com) (membership not required) that reliably tracks fuel prices by region. The EPA offers a similar service.
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Divide the trip's distance (in miles) by your vehicle's average fuel economy rating. Multiply the result by the current price of fuel. (D÷FE---P=Total cost of fuel.)
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Budget for expected expenses, such as food, drinks or other items. Add the total expected expenses budget to the total cost of fuel. The result is the approximate total cost of your drive.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider slightly overestimating the total cost (add 10 percent) to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances or expenses.
