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Calculating Fuel Cost Per Mile

Fuel Cost Per Mile Formula:

\[ \text{Cost per mile} = \frac{\text{Fuel price (USD/gallon)}}{\text{Mileage (miles per gallon)}} \]

USD/gallon
miles per gallon

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1. What is Fuel Cost Per Mile?

The Fuel Cost Per Mile calculation helps determine how much you spend on fuel for each mile driven. This metric is useful for budgeting, comparing vehicles, or evaluating the cost-effectiveness of trips.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

\[ \text{Cost per mile} = \frac{\text{Fuel price}}{\text{Mileage}} \]

Where:

Explanation: The calculation divides the cost of one gallon of fuel by how many miles your vehicle can travel on that gallon.

3. Importance of Calculating Cost Per Mile

Details: Knowing your cost per mile helps with trip planning, vehicle selection, and overall transportation budgeting. It's particularly valuable for frequent drivers or fleet managers.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter current fuel price in USD/gallon and your vehicle's mileage in miles per gallon. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate but actual costs may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle maintenance, and fuel quality.

Q2: What's a good cost per mile?
A: This varies based on fuel prices and vehicle efficiency. Generally, lower is better, with many cars averaging $0.10-$0.20 per mile.

Q3: Should I use city or highway mileage?
A: Use the mileage that matches your typical driving conditions for most accurate results.

Q4: Can I use this for electric vehicles?
A: No, this calculator is for gasoline/diesel vehicles. EVs require different calculations based on electricity costs.

Q5: How often should I recalculate?
A: Recalculate when fuel prices change significantly or if your vehicle's mileage changes (after maintenance or modifications).

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