Global Fuel CalculatorWhat is the average fuel consumption for a car?
Ask ten drivers and you will get ten numbers, because consumption depends on the car, the roads and the driver. What helps is a realistic range to measure yourself against, and a reliable way to work out your own average.
Typical fuel consumption by vehicle type
Rough real-world ranges for mixed driving, not official ratings. Your own number can sit outside them without anything being wrong.
| Vehicle | L/100km | MPG (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Small petrol hatchback | 5.5 to 7.5 | 43 to 31 |
| Family car or mid-size sedan | 7 to 9 | 34 to 26 |
| SUV or crossover | 8 to 11 | 29 to 21 |
| Pickup or large SUV | 11 to 15 | 21 to 16 |
| Hybrid | 4 to 5.5 | 59 to 43 |
How much gas is used per mile?
Gas used per mile is simply 1 divided by your MPG, in gallons. In litres, divide 3.785 by your MPG.
| MPG (US) | Gallons per mile | Litres per mile |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 0.0500 | 0.189 |
| 25 | 0.0400 | 0.151 |
| 30 | 0.0333 | 0.126 |
| 35 | 0.0286 | 0.108 |
| 40 | 0.0250 | 0.095 |
How to find your own average
Add up all the fuel you put in over several fill-ups and all the distance you covered, then divide fuel by distance (and multiply by 100 for L/100km). Do not average the individual per-tank figures: a short tank would skew the result. Enter the totals into the fuel consumption calculator and you have a number that reflects how you really drive.
Common questions
Is average fuel consumption the same as fuel economy?
They describe the same thing from opposite ends. Consumption is fuel per distance (L/100km), where lower is better. Economy is distance per fuel (MPG or km/L), where higher is better.
What affects average fuel consumption most?
Driving style and speed come first, then short trips with a cold engine, load, tyre pressure, weather and air conditioning use.
Why is my average higher than the official figure?
Official figures come from standard test cycles. Real roads add traffic, hills, higher speeds and cold starts, so a gap of 10 to 20% is common.
How do I estimate the fuel for a trip from my average?
Multiply your L/100km by the distance in kilometres and divide by 100. At 8 L/100km, a 450 km trip needs 36 litres. In miles, divide the distance by your MPG to get gallons.