Gas Mileage / Fuel Economy
Fill in distance and fuel used; we’ll show MPG, km/L, L/100km, and trip cost.
Getting the most from a tank
MPG is how many miles a car goes per gallon of gas. Real-world MPG is almost always lower than the EPA sticker because the test doesn't include AC use, hills, cold starts, or highway speeds above 70 mph. Most drivers see 10–20% below sticker figures.
Simple ways to boost real MPG: slow down (dropping from 80 to 65 mph improves MPG 10–15% on most cars), keep tires at recommended pressure, remove roof racks when not in use, and avoid unnecessary idling. Premium octane doesn't improve MPG unless your engine specifically requires it.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between MPG and MPGe?
MPG (Miles Per Gallon) is the traditional measure — miles driven on one gallon of gasoline. MPGe (Miles Per Gallon Equivalent) is the EV metric: how far an EV goes on the energy-equivalent of one gallon of gasoline (33.7 kWh of electricity). A 100 MPGe EV is 3–4× more energy-efficient than a typical car.
Why is my real MPG lower than the EPA sticker?
EPA tests run in controlled lab conditions. Real driving involves AC use, hills, cold weather, high speeds, and short trips — all of which reduce MPG. Most drivers see 10–20% below EPA figures. Highway-heavy driving often beats the sticker; city-heavy usually doesn't.
What's the cheapest way to improve MPG in an existing car?
Slow down (5+ mpg improvement between 80 mph and 65 mph on most cars), keep tires at recommended pressure (up to 3% improvement), remove roof racks when not in use (up to 8% highway), and don't idle excessively. Premium octane doesn't improve MPG unless your car requires it.
Is a hybrid or EV worth it financially?
Break-even math: divide the price premium by annual fuel savings to find the years to recoup. A $5,000 premium vs. an equivalent gas car, saving $1,200/year, pays back in 4+ years. Factor in maintenance savings (EVs have fewer moving parts) and tax credits where applicable.
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