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URLhttps://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption
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Meta TitleHow to Calculate Fuel Consumption: 2 Simple Formulas
Meta DescriptionFollow these simple steps to figure out how much gas your car uses With the price of fuel going up all the time, you're probably more aware of how much it takes to fill up your car. Knowing your car's fuel consumption can help maximize...
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Download Article Follow these simple steps to figure out how much gas your car uses Download Article Finding Fuel Consumption | Calculating Average Fuel Consumption | Maximizing Fuel Efficiency | Video | Q&A | Tips With the price of fuel going up all the time, you’re probably more aware of how much it takes to fill up your car. Knowing your car’s fuel consumption can help maximize your fuel efficiency, but how do you calculate that? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll tell you how to find your car’s fuel consumption with 2 simple formulas and give you tips on improving your fuel efficiency. Read on to learn more! Things You Should Know Use the formula Distance Driven ÷ Fuel Used to find your car’s fuel consumption. Fill up your car’s gas tank and set your trip odometer to 0. Then, drive your car until your gas tank is empty. Refuel your car, recording the number of gallons or liters it takes to fill up your gas tank and the distance you drove from the trip odometer reading. A car's fuel consumption is a measure of the miles or kilometers driven per gallon or liter of fuel. If you know the distance you drove and how much fuel fits in your tank, simply divide the distance you drove by the amount of fuel you used to get your miles per gallon, or kilometers per liter. [1] The best time to record your fuel consumption is right after you fill your car with gas. Most cars have a trip odometer that measures the distance you travel on a single trip. To reset it to 0 and measure your distance traveled, just press and hold the small trip button on your car’s dashboard or center console. Set it to 0 when you fill up your car with gas and check it when you need to fill up again—this gives you your distance traveled since you last bought gas. [2] Your trip odometer will say "0 miles" or “0 kilometers.” If you don't have a trip odometer, record the number of miles or kilometers on your car as your "Starting Distance." For example, if your car has 10,000 miles or kilometers on it when you fill your tank, write "10,000." Advertisement This calculation works regardless of how much gas is left in the tank. However, the more gas you use, the more accurate your fuel consumption calculation will be. [3] Take your car to the gas station and completely fill up your gas tank. Then, note how many gallons or liters filled your gas tank back up. This is your "Fuel Used." [4] It’s important to refill your tank completely when calculating your fuel consumption. Otherwise, you don't know how much gas your car has used since your last tank. Once you’ve filled up your car at the gas station, record the miles or kilometers on the trip odometer. This is your "Distance Driven." [5] If you do not have a trip odometer, subtract your "Starting Distance" from your current odometer reading to find out how far you traveled. If your “Starting Distance” was 10,000 and your odometer now says 10,250, subtract 10,000. So, you drove 250 miles or kilometers on that tank of gas. This tells you how many miles or kilometers you drove per gallon or liter of gas that you used. For example, if you drove 335 miles before refueling, and you filled your car up with 12 gallons of gas, your fuel consumption was 27.9 miles per gallon, or mpg (335 miles / 12 gallons = 27.9 mpg). [6] If you use kilometers and liters, divide the fuel you used by the kilometers you traveled. Then, multiply the result by 100 to get "liters per 100 kilometers". You have to start with a full tank and fill your gas tank all the way back up to know exactly how much gas your car consumed. Terry's odometer reads 23,500 with a full tank of gas. After driving for a few days he needs to buy gas. The odometer reads 23,889, and it takes 12.5 gallons to refill his tank. What is his fuel consumption? Fuel Consumption = (Final Distance - Starting Distance) / Fuel Usage Fuel Consumption = (23,889 mi - 23,500 mi) / 12.5 gallons Fuel Consumption = 389 mi / 12.5 gallons Fuel Consumption = 31.1 mpg Advertisement For example, stopping and starting the car a lot uses more gas than driving at a constant pace. This is why highway consumption is usually less than city consumption. [7] Using cruise control can help you get better fuel consumption. Fuel consumption gets worse the faster you drive. Since AC burns gasoline, using it diminishes your fuel consumption. [8] To get a more accurate picture of your car's fuel consumption, gather more data. By driving over a longer period of time and averaging your fuel consumption, you eliminate outliers in your data. Say, for example, that you calculated your fuel consumption on a day that you drove into the mountains, which you don’t normally do. Climbing uphill uses more fuel, so your fuel consumption on that day is lower than it normally is. After you fill up your car, use your trip button to set your trip odometer to 0. However, don't reset it back to 0 when you get a new tank of gas. When calculating average fuel consumption, you need to know the total distance you drove after refilling your car multiple times. If you don't have an odometer, record how many miles are on your car with a full tank of gas as your “Starting Distance.” To get a more accurate measure of fuel consumption, you need to know how much gas you are using whenever you get more gas. Each time you fill up, write down the number of gallons or liters you purchased. [9] Calculate your average fuel consumption during an average month of driving, as big trips or unusual travel changes your fuel consumption. For a more accurate reading, wait until you’ve filled up your car at least 3-4 times, which is typically over the course of several weeks. Make sure not to reset your trip odometer as you drive. [10] You do not need to fill your car all the way up each time. All you need to do is record the number of gallons or liters you put in your car to calculate fuel consumption. When you are ready to calculate your fuel consumption, top your car off and record the number of gallons or liters you put in. This represents the total amount of gas that you used over this period of time. [11] If you filled up 3 times, once using 12 gallons, the other 3 gallons, and the last time using 10 gallons, your total gas usage is 25 gallons. Check your trip odometer to see how many miles you traveled from when you began recording your fuel usage. Then, divide the distance you traveled by the fuel you used to get your average fuel consumption. This shows your miles per gallon or kilometers per liter for your test period, which is a good estimate of your car's average fuel consumption. [12] For example, if you used 25 gallons of gas, and drove 500 miles during that time, then your average fuel consumption is 20 miles per gallon (500 miles / 25 gallons = 20 mpg). By law, car makers must post the average fuel consumption for cars. However, these are only estimates, and they are frequently on the high end. [13] Your car's fuel consumption is available online at the United State’s Department of Energy website . To find your car's actual miles per gallon or kilometers per liter, you have to calculate it yourself. If your calculation is drastically different from the suggested average, get your car checked out by a mechanic. An engine issue or part malfunction may cause your car to use fuel less efficiently. Wondering what’s good mileage for a used car? Check out wikiHow’s “What’s good mileage for a used car?” forum . Advertisement AC is powered by your car’s engine, so AC burns gas when you run it. This means you have less gasoline to drive with when you turn your AC on. When there’s a nice breeze outside, roll down your windows instead of turning on the AC. On really hot days, keep the AC on low or turn it off once your car is cool. This helps make your car more fuel efficient . [14] Running AC on max can decrease your fuel economy by almost 25%. The faster you drive your car, the more fuel you consume. This amount you use isn’t small, either—every 5 mph you drive over 50 mph is equal to paying $0.19 more for a gallon of gas. [15] Drive defensively . It takes more energy to start moving a car than to keep it moving. That means if you are constantly tailgating people, stopping and starting, or trying to pass, you're using far more fuel than if you were keeping an even pace. [16] Leave space between you and other vehicles so you’re able to come safely to a stop in case of an emergency. [17] Brake and accelerate gently instead of slamming on either pedal. [18] Cruise control keeps your car at a consistent and even speed. This avoids burning up fuel unnecessarily with small accelerations and stops. [19] Rooftop cargo carriers greatly reduce your car’s aerodynamics, which slows down your car. Your slower speed means you have to use more fuel to get where you’re going. Instead of using a rooftop carrier, use a towing trailer or load up the inside of your vehicle. These are generally more fuel-efficient options. [20] If all 4 of your tires are low, your gas usage might lower by 0.3%. Check your tire pressure regularly and put air in them using an air pump. Most gas stations have air pumps for you to use. Then, simply inflate the tires up to the PSI recommended in your owner's manual. [21] Some cars list the proper tire pressure on a sticker on the driver's side door or the glove compartment. Replace your air filter . This is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to bump up your fuel efficiency. Buy the right filter for your car by bringing the make, model, and year to your local auto shop. An employee will help you find the right filter for your car, as every car needs a different filter. Replacing the air filter on newer cars doesn’t help as much with fuel efficiency. It will, however, make it easier for your car to accelerate without issues. [22] Idling, or leaving your car on when it isn't moving, wastes gas. If you know you’re going to be stuck in the same spot for a while, cut off the engine to save your precious gasoline. Advertisement Search Add New Question Question I'm trying to do a fleet diesel consumption report and I don't know how to put all that in a spreadsheet. How can I go about it? This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Using an excel spreadsheet or Google sheet, label the top of each column with the information you need to track. For example, your column labels might be "Date," "Odometer Reading," and "Amount of Fuel." When you refuel, simply enter the information under the correct column. Question Will driving a truck on a low gear save fuel? This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Staying in a lower gear actually increases your fuel consumption. So, to save fuel, put your car into a higher gear. Question Why does the AC consume gasoline? This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer The AC in your car is powered by the alternator in your engine, which uses gasoline to run. So, using your AC uses gas. See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement Video Always observe the posted speed limit when you’re driving. Thanks It’s a good idea to turn your car off when you know you’ll be stopped for a long period of time (e.g. waiting to pick up someone at the airport). Generally, turning your car off at stop lights isn’t helpful since you’re typically only stopped for no more than 2 minutes. Thanks Don't speed up and slow down irregularly. This wastes fuel, especially in big SUV and Sedan type vehicles. Thanks Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement References About This Article Article Summary X To calculate fuel consumption, start by writing down how many miles you have on your car and then filling up the gas tank. Then, drive your car around until the gas tank is nearly empty. When the tank is almost empty, refill it and write down how many gallons of gas you needed and how many miles you've driven since the last time you filled up. Finally, divide the number of miles you drove by the number of gallons you put in the tank to find how many miles per gallon your car gets. To learn how to find the average fuel consumption for your vehicle, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 756,963 times. Reader Success Stories Kwesi Aryee May 20, 2017 "Very good and simple. Used it in developing a vehicle management app. Will track and see how realistically it ..." more Rated this article: Did this article help you?
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Learn why people **trust wikiHow**](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) - [Categories](https://www.wikihow.com/Special:CategoryListing "Special:CategoryListing") - [Cars & Other Vehicles](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Cars-%26-Other-Vehicles "Category:Cars & Other Vehicles") - [Driving Vehicles](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Driving-Vehicles "Category:Driving Vehicles") - [Efficient Driving](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Efficient-Driving "Category:Efficient Driving") # [How to Compute Your Car’s Fuel Consumption](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) [![PDF download](https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/wikihow/socialstamp/images/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) Follow these simple steps to figure out how much gas your car uses **Co-authored by** [Simon Miyerov](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Simon-Miyerov) and [Devin McSween](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Devin-McSween) [Last Updated: December 30, 2025](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) [Fact Checked](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) [![PDF download](https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/wikihow/socialstamp/images/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) - [Finding Fuel Consumption](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#Finding-Fuel-Consumption) - [Calculating Average Fuel Consumption](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#Calculating-Average-Fuel-Consumption) - [Maximizing Fuel Efficiency](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#Maximizing-Fuel-Efficiency) - [Video](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#Video) - [Q\&A](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#qa_headline) - [Tips](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#tips) \|Show more \|Show less X This article was co-authored by [Simon Miyerov](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Simon-Miyerov) and by wikiHow staff writer, [Devin McSween](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Devin-McSween). Simon Miyerov is the President and Driving Instructor for Drive Rite Academy, a driving academy based out of New York City. Simon has over 8 years of driving instruction experience. His mission is to ensure the safety of everyday drivers and continue to make New York a safer and efficient driving environment. There are [11 references](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#References) cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 756,963 times. With the price of fuel going up all the time, you’re probably more aware of how much it takes to fill up your car. Knowing your car’s fuel consumption can help maximize your fuel efficiency, but how do you calculate that? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll tell you how to find your car’s fuel consumption with 2 simple formulas and give you tips on improving your fuel efficiency. Read on to learn more\! ## Things You Should Know - Use the formula Distance Driven ÷ Fuel Used to find your car’s fuel consumption. - Fill up your car’s gas tank and set your trip odometer to 0. Then, drive your car until your gas tank is empty. - Refuel your car, recording the number of gallons or liters it takes to fill up your gas tank and the distance you drove from the trip odometer reading. ## Steps Method 1 Method 1 of 3: ### Finding Fuel Consumption [![PDF download](https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/wikihow/socialstamp/images/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) 1. [![Step 1 The formula for fuel consumption is Distance Driven ÷ Fuel Used.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/92/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-1-Version-7.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-1-Version-7.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-1-Version-7.jpg) 1 **The formula for fuel consumption is Distance Driven ÷ Fuel Used.** A car's fuel consumption is a measure of the miles or kilometers driven per gallon or liter of fuel. If you know the distance you drove and how much fuel fits in your tank, simply divide the distance you drove by the amount of fuel you used to get your miles per gallon, or kilometers per liter.[\[1\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-1) X Research source - The best time to record your fuel consumption is right after you fill your car with gas. 2. [![Step 2 Fill up your tank to full, then reset your trip odometer.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/02/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-2-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-2-Version-5.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-2-Version-5.jpg) 2 **Fill up your tank to full, then reset your trip odometer.** Most cars have a trip odometer that measures the distance you travel on a single trip. To reset it to 0 and measure your distance traveled, just press and hold the small trip button on your car’s dashboard or center console. Set it to 0 when you fill up your car with gas and check it when you need to fill up again—this gives you your distance traveled since you last bought gas.[\[2\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-2) X Research source - Your trip odometer will say "0 miles" or “0 kilometers.” - If you don't have a trip odometer, record the number of miles or kilometers on your car as your "Starting Distance." For example, if your car has 10,000 miles or kilometers on it when you fill your tank, write "10,000." Advertisement 3. [![Step 3 Drive your car until the gas tank is empty.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/51/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-3-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-3-Version-5.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-3-Version-5.jpg) 3 **Drive your car until the gas tank is empty.** This calculation works regardless of how much gas is left in the tank. However, the more gas you use, the more accurate your fuel consumption calculation will be.[\[3\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-3) X Research source 4. [![Step 4 Refill your tank, recording how much gas it takes to fill up your car.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c6/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-4-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-4-Version-3.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-4-Version-3.jpg) 4 **Refill your tank, recording how much gas it takes to fill up your car.** Take your car to the gas station and *completely* fill up your gas tank. Then, note how many gallons or liters filled your gas tank back up. This is your "Fuel Used."[\[4\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-4) X Research source - It’s important to refill your tank completely when calculating your fuel consumption. Otherwise, you don't know how much gas your car has used since your last tank. 5. [![Step 5 Record the distance on your trip odometer after you refuel.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/ba/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-5-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-5-Version-2.jpg) 5 **Record the distance on your trip odometer after you refuel.** Once you’ve filled up your car at the gas station, record the miles or kilometers on the trip odometer. This is your "Distance Driven."[\[5\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-5) X Research source - If you do not have a trip odometer, subtract your "Starting Distance" from your current odometer reading to find out how far you traveled. If your “Starting Distance” was 10,000 and your odometer now says 10,250, subtract 10,000. So, you drove 250 miles or kilometers on that tank of gas. 6. [![Step 6 Divide distance driven by fuel used to get your car's fuel consumption.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d5/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-6-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-6-Version-3.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-6-Version-3.jpg) 6 **Divide distance driven by fuel used to get your car's fuel consumption.** This tells you how many miles or kilometers you drove per gallon or liter of gas that you used. For example, if you drove 335 miles before refueling, and you filled your car up with 12 gallons of gas, your fuel consumption was 27.9 miles per gallon, or mpg (335 miles / 12 gallons = 27.9 mpg).[\[6\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-6) X Research source - If you use kilometers and liters, divide the fuel you used by the kilometers you traveled. Then, multiply the result by 100 to get "liters per 100 kilometers". - You have to start with a full tank and fill your gas tank all the way back up to know exactly how much gas your car consumed. 7. [![Step 7 Practice calculating fuel consumption with an example.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/63/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-7-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-7-Version-2.jpg) 7 **Practice calculating fuel consumption with an example.** Terry's odometer reads 23,500 with a full tank of gas. After driving for a few days he needs to buy gas. The odometer reads 23,889, and it takes 12.5 gallons to refill his tank. What is his fuel consumption? - Fuel Consumption = (Final Distance - Starting Distance) / Fuel Usage - Fuel Consumption = (23,889 mi - 23,500 mi) / 12.5 gallons - Fuel Consumption = 389 mi / 12.5 gallons - **Fuel Consumption = 31.1 mpg** Method 2 Method 2 of 3: ### Calculating Average Fuel Consumption [![PDF download](https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/wikihow/socialstamp/images/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) 1. [![Step 1 Remember that fuel consumption changes based on your driving.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c7/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-8-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-8-Version-2.jpg) 1 **Remember that fuel consumption changes based on your driving.** For example, stopping and starting the car a lot uses more gas than driving at a constant pace. This is why highway consumption is usually less than city consumption.[\[7\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-7) X Research source - [Using cruise control](https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Cruise-Control-on-a-Car "Use Cruise Control on a Car") can help you get better fuel consumption. - Fuel consumption gets worse the faster you drive. - Since AC burns gasoline, using it diminishes your fuel consumption.[\[8\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-8) X [Trustworthy Source](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) FuelEconomy.gov Official source for the U.S. government for fuel economy information [Go to source](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) 2. [![Step 2 Record multiple tanks of gas in a row to find average fuel consumption.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/20/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-9-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-9-Version-2.jpg) 2 **Record multiple tanks of gas in a row to find average fuel consumption.** To get a more accurate picture of your car's fuel consumption, gather more data. By driving over a longer period of time and averaging your fuel consumption, you eliminate outliers in your data. - Say, for example, that you calculated your fuel consumption on a day that you drove into the mountains, which you don’t normally do. [Climbing uphill](https://www.wikihow.com/Drive-Uphill "Drive Uphill") uses more fuel, so your fuel consumption on that day is lower than it normally is. 3. [![Step 3 Set your trip odometer to 0 with a full tank of gas.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/06/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-10-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-10-Version-2.jpg) 3 **Set your trip odometer to 0 with a full tank of gas.** After you fill up your car, use your trip button to set your trip odometer to 0. However, don't reset it back to 0 when you get a new tank of gas. When calculating average fuel consumption, you need to know the total distance you drove after refilling your car multiple times. - If you don't have an odometer, record how many miles are on your car with a full tank of gas as your “Starting Distance.” 4. [![Step 4 Record how much gas you purchase each time you fill up.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/4f/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-11-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-11-Version-2.jpg) 4 **Record how much gas you purchase each time you fill up.** To get a more accurate measure of fuel consumption, you need to know how much gas you are using whenever you get more gas. Each time you fill up, write down the number of gallons or liters you purchased.[\[9\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-9) X Research source 5. [![Step 5 Drive normally for several weeks.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/65/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-12-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-12-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-12-Version-2.jpg) 5 **Drive normally for several weeks.** Calculate your average fuel consumption during an average month of driving, as big trips or unusual travel changes your fuel consumption. For a more accurate reading, wait until you’ve filled up your car at least 3-4 times, which is typically over the course of several weeks. Make sure not to reset your trip odometer as you drive.[\[10\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-10) X Research source - You do not need to fill your car all the way up each time. All you need to do is record the number of gallons or liters you put in your car to calculate fuel consumption. 6. [![Step 6 Fill up your tank fully after driving for several weeks.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/34/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-13-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-13-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-13-Version-2.jpg) 6 **Fill up your tank fully after driving for several weeks.** When you are ready to calculate your fuel consumption, top your car off and record the number of gallons or liters you put in. 7. [![Step 7 Add up the number of gallons or liters of fuel that you bought.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a6/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-14-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-14-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-14-Version-2.jpg) 7 **Add up the number of gallons or liters of fuel that you bought.** This represents the total amount of gas that you used over this period of time.[\[11\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-11) X Research source - If you filled up 3 times, once using 12 gallons, the other 3 gallons, and the last time using 10 gallons, your total gas usage is 25 gallons. 8. [![Step 8 Divide your total distance driven by total fuel used.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/82/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-15-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-15-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-15-Version-2.jpg) 8 **Divide your total distance driven by total fuel used.** Check your trip odometer to see how many miles you traveled from when you began recording your fuel usage. Then, divide the distance you traveled by the fuel you used to get your average fuel consumption. This shows your miles per gallon or kilometers per liter for your test period, which is a good estimate of your car's average fuel consumption.[\[12\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-12) X Research source - For example, if you used 25 gallons of gas, and drove 500 miles during that time, then your average fuel consumption is 20 miles per gallon (500 miles / 25 gallons = 20 mpg). 9. [![Step 9 Know that your car's advertised mileage is often overestimated.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/01/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-16-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-16-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-16-Version-2.jpg) 9 **Know that your car's advertised mileage is often overestimated.** By law, car makers must post the average fuel consumption for cars. However, these are only estimates, and they are frequently on the high end.[\[13\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-13) X [Trustworthy Source](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing [Go to source](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) Your car's fuel consumption is available online at the [United State’s Department of Energy website](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/trip/). To find your car's actual miles per gallon or kilometers per liter, you have to calculate it yourself. - If your calculation is drastically different from the suggested average, get your car checked out by a mechanic. An engine issue or part malfunction may cause your car to use fuel less efficiently. - Wondering what’s good mileage for a used car? Check out wikiHow’s [“What’s good mileage for a used car?” forum](https://www.wikihow.com/Forum/Discussion-Whats-Good-Mileage-for-a-Used-Car). Method 3 Method 3 of 3: ### Maximizing Fuel Efficiency [![PDF download](https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/wikihow/socialstamp/images/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) 1. [![Step 1 Use the air conditioner only when you need it.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/97/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-17-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-17-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-17-Version-2.jpg) 1 **Use the air conditioner only when you need it.** AC is powered by your car’s engine, so AC burns gas when you run it. This means you have less gasoline to drive with when you turn your AC on. When there’s a nice breeze outside, roll down your windows instead of turning on the AC. On really hot days, keep the AC on low or turn it off once your car is cool. This helps [make your car more fuel efficient](https://www.wikihow.com/Increase-Fuel-Mileage-on-a-Car "Increase Fuel Mileage on a Car").[\[14\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-14) X [Trustworthy Source](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) FuelEconomy.gov Official source for the U.S. government for fuel economy information [Go to source](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) - Running AC on max can decrease your fuel economy by almost 25%. 2. [![Step 2 Drive at the speed limit.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/63/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-18-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-18-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-18-Version-2.jpg) 2 **Drive at the speed limit.** The faster you drive your car, the more fuel you consume. This amount you use isn’t small, either—every 5 mph you drive over 50 mph is equal to paying \$0.19 more for a gallon of gas.[\[15\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-15) X [Trustworthy Source](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) FuelEconomy.gov Official source for the U.S. government for fuel economy information [Go to source](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) 3. [![Step 3 Drive defensively...](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d3/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-19-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-19-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-19-Version-2.jpg) 3 [**Drive defensively**](https://www.wikihow.com/Drive-Defensively "Drive Defensively")**.** It takes more energy to start moving a car than to keep it moving. That means if you are constantly tailgating people, stopping and starting, or trying to pass, you're using far more fuel than if you were keeping an even pace.[\[16\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-16) X [Trustworthy Source](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) FuelEconomy.gov Official source for the U.S. government for fuel economy information [Go to source](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) - Leave space between you and other vehicles so you’re able to come safely to a stop in case of an emergency.[\[17\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-17)X [Expert Source](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) [![Simon Miyerov](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/ce/Simon_Miyerov.png/-crop-100-100-100px-Simon_Miyerov.png)Simon Miyerov Driving Instructor](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Simon-Miyerov) Expert Interview - Brake and accelerate gently instead of slamming on either pedal.[\[18\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-18) X [Trustworthy Source](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing [Go to source](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) 4. [![Step 4 Use cruise control when you’re driving for long, flat stretches.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/5b/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-20-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-20-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-20-Version-2.jpg) 4 **Use cruise control when you’re driving for long, flat stretches.** Cruise control keeps your car at a consistent and even speed. This avoids burning up fuel unnecessarily with small accelerations and stops.[\[19\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-19)X [Expert Source](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) [![Simon Miyerov](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/ce/Simon_Miyerov.png/-crop-100-100-100px-Simon_Miyerov.png)Simon Miyerov Driving Instructor](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Simon-Miyerov) Expert Interview 5. [![Step 5 Avoid using rooftop cargo carriers.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/72/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-22-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-22-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-22-Version-2.jpg) 5 **Avoid using rooftop cargo carriers.** Rooftop cargo carriers greatly reduce your car’s aerodynamics, which slows down your car. Your slower speed means you have to use more fuel to get where you’re going. Instead of using a rooftop carrier, [use a towing trailer](https://www.wikihow.com/Tow-a-Trailer "Tow a Trailer") or load up the inside of your vehicle. These are generally more fuel-efficient options.[\[20\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-20) X [Trustworthy Source](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) FuelEconomy.gov Official source for the U.S. government for fuel economy information [Go to source](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) 6. [![Step 6 Keep your tires well-inflated.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b7/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-23-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-23-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-23-Version-2.jpg) 6 **Keep your tires well-inflated.** If all 4 of your tires are low, your gas usage might lower by 0.3%. [Check your tire pressure](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Air-Pressure-in-Tires "Check Air Pressure in Tires") regularly and [put air in them](https://www.wikihow.com/Put-Air-in-a-Tire "Put Air in a Tire") using an air pump. Most gas stations have air pumps for you to use. Then, simply inflate the tires up to the PSI recommended in your owner's manual.[\[21\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-21) X [Trustworthy Source](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) FuelEconomy.gov Official source for the U.S. government for fuel economy information [Go to source](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) - Some cars list the proper tire pressure on a sticker on the driver's side door or the glove compartment. 7. [![Step 7 Replace your air...](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/3b/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-24-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-24-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-24-Version-2.jpg) 7 [**Replace your air filter**](https://www.wikihow.com/Change-Your-Air-Filter "Change Your Air Filter")**.** This is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to bump up your fuel efficiency. Buy the right filter for your car by bringing the make, model, and year to your local auto shop. An employee will help you find the right filter for your car, as every car needs a different filter. - Replacing the air filter on newer cars doesn’t help as much with fuel efficiency. It will, however, make it easier for your car to accelerate without issues.[\[22\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-22) X [Trustworthy Source](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) FuelEconomy.gov Official source for the U.S. government for fuel economy information [Go to source](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) 8. [![Step 8 Turn off your car in traffic.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/78/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-21-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-21-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-21-Version-2.jpg) 8 **Turn off your car in traffic.** Idling, or leaving your car on when it isn't moving, wastes gas. If you know you’re going to be stuck in the same spot for a while, cut off the engine to save your precious gasoline. ## Community Q\&A Search [Add New Question]() - Question I'm trying to do a fleet diesel consumption report and I don't know how to put all that in a spreadsheet. How can I go about it? ![wikiHow Staff Editor](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7c/WHInitials.png/-crop-100-100-100px-WHInitials.png) [wikiHow Staff Editor](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Content-Management) Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. ![wikiHow Staff Editor](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7c/WHInitials.png/-crop-100-100-100px-WHInitials.png) wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Using an excel spreadsheet or Google sheet, label the top of each column with the information you need to track. For example, your column labels might be "Date," "Odometer Reading," and "Amount of Fuel." When you refuel, simply enter the information under the correct column. **Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.** **Thank you for your feedback.** If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even \$1 helps us in our mission. [Support wikiHow](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Contribute) [Yes](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) [No](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) [Not Helpful 2](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) [Helpful 9](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) - Question Will driving a truck on a low gear save fuel? ![wikiHow Staff Editor](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7c/WHInitials.png/-crop-100-100-100px-WHInitials.png) [wikiHow Staff Editor](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Content-Management) Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. ![wikiHow Staff Editor](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7c/WHInitials.png/-crop-100-100-100px-WHInitials.png) wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Staying in a lower gear actually increases your fuel consumption. So, to save fuel, put your car into a higher gear. **Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.** **Thank you for your feedback.** If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even \$1 helps us in our mission. [Support wikiHow](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Contribute) [Yes](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) [No](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) [Not Helpful 1](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) [Helpful 2](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) - Question Why does the AC consume gasoline? ![wikiHow Staff Editor](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7c/WHInitials.png/-crop-100-100-100px-WHInitials.png) [wikiHow Staff Editor](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Content-Management) Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. ![wikiHow Staff Editor](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7c/WHInitials.png/-crop-100-100-100px-WHInitials.png) wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer The AC in your car is powered by the alternator in your engine, which uses gasoline to run. So, using your AC uses gas. **Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.** **Thank you for your feedback.** If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even \$1 helps us in our mission. [Support wikiHow](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Contribute) [Yes](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) [No](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) [Not Helpful 3](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) [Helpful 6](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) [See more answers](https://www.wikihow.com/Questions/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#offset=3) Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. [Submit]() Advertisement ## Video ## Tips - Always observe the posted speed limit when you’re driving. Thanks [Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) [Not Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) - It’s a good idea to turn your car off when you know you’ll be stopped for a long period of time (e.g. waiting to pick up someone at the airport). Generally, turning your car off at stop lights isn’t helpful since you’re typically only stopped for no more than 2 minutes. Thanks [Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) [Not Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) - Don't speed up and slow down irregularly. This wastes fuel, especially in big SUV and Sedan type vehicles. Thanks [Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) [Not Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial [Submit](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) Thanks for submitting a tip for review\! 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[↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-1) <https://www.calculatorsoup.com/calculators/tools/gas-mileage-calculator.php> 2. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-2) <https://www.care4air.org/doing-your-bit/how-to-calculate-your-fuel-consumption/> 3. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-3) <https://www.calculatorsoup.com/calculators/tools/gas-mileage-calculator.php> 4. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-4) <https://www.care4air.org/doing-your-bit/how-to-calculate-your-fuel-consumption/> 5. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-5) <https://www.care4air.org/doing-your-bit/how-to-calculate-your-fuel-consumption/> 6. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-6) <https://www.care4air.org/doing-your-bit/how-to-calculate-your-fuel-consumption/> 7. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-7) <https://www.caranddriver.com/research/a31518112/what-is-good-gas-milage/> 8. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-8) <https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/drive.shtml> 9. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-9) <https://www.omnicalculator.com/everyday-life/fuel-consumption> [More References (13)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#aiinfo) 1. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-10) <https://www.omnicalculator.com/everyday-life/fuel-consumption> 2. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-11) <https://www.omnicalculator.com/everyday-life/fuel-consumption> 3. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-12) <https://www.omnicalculator.com/everyday-life/fuel-consumption> 4. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-13) <https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2013/08/the-mpg-gap/index.htm> 5. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-14) <https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/factors.shtml> 6. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-15) <https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.jsp> 7. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-16) <https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/factors.shtml> 8. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-17) Simon Miyerov. Driving Instructor. Expert Interview 9. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-18) <https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/how-to-get-the-best-fuel-economy-now-a6660320487/> 10. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-19) Simon Miyerov. Driving Instructor. Expert Interview 11. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-20) <https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/factors.shtml> 12. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-21) <https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.jsp> 13. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_ref-22) <https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.jsp> ## About This Article ![Simon Miyerov](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/ce/Simon_Miyerov.png/-crop-100-100-100px-Simon_Miyerov.png) Co-authored by: [Simon Miyerov](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Simon-Miyerov) Driving Instructor This article was co-authored by [Simon Miyerov](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Simon-Miyerov) and by wikiHow staff writer, [Devin McSween](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Devin-McSween). Simon Miyerov is the President and Driving Instructor for Drive Rite Academy, a driving academy based out of New York City. Simon has over 8 years of driving instruction experience. His mission is to ensure the safety of everyday drivers and continue to make New York a safer and efficient driving environment. This article has been viewed 756,963 times. 9 votes - 78% Co-authors: 28 Updated: December 30, 2025 Views: 756,963 Categories: [Featured Articles](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Featured-Articles "Category:Featured Articles") \| [Efficient Driving](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Efficient-Driving "Category:Efficient Driving") [Article SummaryX](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#summary_wrapper) To calculate fuel consumption, start by writing down how many miles you have on your car and then filling up the gas tank. Then, drive your car around until the gas tank is nearly empty. When the tank is almost empty, refill it and write down how many gallons of gas you needed and how many miles you've driven since the last time you filled up. Finally, divide the number of miles you drove by the number of gallons you put in the tank to find how many miles per gallon your car gets. To learn how to find the average fuel consumption for your vehicle, scroll down\! Did this summary help you? 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Used it in developing a vehicle management app. Will track and see how realistically it works, but I am satisfied."..." [more](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) Rated this article: [More reader stories](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) [Hide reader stories](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) [Share your story](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) ## Did this article help you? Yes No [![](https://www.wikihow.com/images/c/c2/Horrormovie_bottom.jpg)![](https://www.wikihow.com/images/c/c2/Horrormovie_bottom.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Would-You-Survive-a-Horror-Movie?utm_source=wikihow&utm_medium=bottom&utm_campaign=horrormovie_quiz) Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our [cookie policy](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Cookie-Policy). ![Simon Miyerov](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/ce/Simon_Miyerov.png/-crop-100-100-100px-Simon_Miyerov.png) Co-authored by: [Simon Miyerov](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Simon-Miyerov) Driving Instructor 9 votes - 78% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 28 Updated: December 30, 2025 Views: 756,963 ![Kwesi Aryee](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b0/CommunityAvatar2.png/-crop-100-100-100px-CommunityAvatar2.png) Kwesi Aryee May 20, 2017 "Very good and simple. Used it in developing a vehicle management app. Will track and see how realistically it works, but I am satisfied."..." [more](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) Rated this article: ![Laurel S.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b0/CommunityAvatar2.png/-crop-72-72-72px-CommunityAvatar2.png) Laurel S. Apr 17, 2017 "Liked the fuel consumption check using the odometer reset, then tracking the mileage over time to get a reality average."..." [more](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) Rated this article: ![Sokiri S.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b0/CommunityAvatar2.png/-crop-72-72-72px-CommunityAvatar2.png) Sokiri S. Oct 9, 2023 "I'm able to get the fuel consumption through the formula above thanks alot." ![Harrison Akaho](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f2/CommunityAvatar3.png/-crop-72-72-72px-CommunityAvatar3.png) Harrison Akaho Sep 30, 2017 "I have now understood fuel usage and its calculation to mileage covered!" ![Swaroop Singh](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b0/CommunityAvatar2.png/-crop-72-72-72px-CommunityAvatar2.png) Swaroop Singh Dec 10, 2016 "It helped me to understand my fuel consumption while trekking. 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[![PDF download](https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/wikihow/socialstamp/images/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) Follow these simple steps to figure out how much gas your car uses [![PDF download](https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/wikihow/socialstamp/images/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) - [Finding Fuel Consumption](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#Finding-Fuel-Consumption) - [Calculating Average Fuel Consumption](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#Calculating-Average-Fuel-Consumption) - [Maximizing Fuel Efficiency](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#Maximizing-Fuel-Efficiency) - [Video](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#Video) - [Q\&A](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#qa_headline) - [Tips](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#tips) With the price of fuel going up all the time, you’re probably more aware of how much it takes to fill up your car. Knowing your car’s fuel consumption can help maximize your fuel efficiency, but how do you calculate that? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll tell you how to find your car’s fuel consumption with 2 simple formulas and give you tips on improving your fuel efficiency. Read on to learn more\! ## Things You Should Know - Use the formula Distance Driven ÷ Fuel Used to find your car’s fuel consumption. - Fill up your car’s gas tank and set your trip odometer to 0. Then, drive your car until your gas tank is empty. - Refuel your car, recording the number of gallons or liters it takes to fill up your gas tank and the distance you drove from the trip odometer reading. 1. [![Step 1 The formula for fuel consumption is Distance Driven ÷ Fuel Used.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/92/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-1-Version-7.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-1-Version-7.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-1-Version-7.jpg) A car's fuel consumption is a measure of the miles or kilometers driven per gallon or liter of fuel. If you know the distance you drove and how much fuel fits in your tank, simply divide the distance you drove by the amount of fuel you used to get your miles per gallon, or kilometers per liter.[\[1\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-1) - The best time to record your fuel consumption is right after you fill your car with gas. 2. [![Step 2 Fill up your tank to full, then reset your trip odometer.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/02/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-2-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-2-Version-5.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-2-Version-5.jpg) Most cars have a trip odometer that measures the distance you travel on a single trip. To reset it to 0 and measure your distance traveled, just press and hold the small trip button on your car’s dashboard or center console. Set it to 0 when you fill up your car with gas and check it when you need to fill up again—this gives you your distance traveled since you last bought gas.[\[2\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-2) - Your trip odometer will say "0 miles" or “0 kilometers.” - If you don't have a trip odometer, record the number of miles or kilometers on your car as your "Starting Distance." For example, if your car has 10,000 miles or kilometers on it when you fill your tank, write "10,000." Advertisement 3. [![Step 3 Drive your car until the gas tank is empty.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/51/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-3-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-3-Version-5.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-3-Version-5.jpg) This calculation works regardless of how much gas is left in the tank. However, the more gas you use, the more accurate your fuel consumption calculation will be.[\[3\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-3) 4. [![Step 4 Refill your tank, recording how much gas it takes to fill up your car.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c6/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-4-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-4-Version-3.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-4-Version-3.jpg) Take your car to the gas station and *completely* fill up your gas tank. Then, note how many gallons or liters filled your gas tank back up. This is your "Fuel Used."[\[4\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-4) - It’s important to refill your tank completely when calculating your fuel consumption. Otherwise, you don't know how much gas your car has used since your last tank. 5. [![Step 5 Record the distance on your trip odometer after you refuel.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/ba/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-5-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-5-Version-2.jpg) Once you’ve filled up your car at the gas station, record the miles or kilometers on the trip odometer. This is your "Distance Driven."[\[5\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-5) - If you do not have a trip odometer, subtract your "Starting Distance" from your current odometer reading to find out how far you traveled. If your “Starting Distance” was 10,000 and your odometer now says 10,250, subtract 10,000. So, you drove 250 miles or kilometers on that tank of gas. 6. [![Step 6 Divide distance driven by fuel used to get your car's fuel consumption.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d5/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-6-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-6-Version-3.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-6-Version-3.jpg) This tells you how many miles or kilometers you drove per gallon or liter of gas that you used. For example, if you drove 335 miles before refueling, and you filled your car up with 12 gallons of gas, your fuel consumption was 27.9 miles per gallon, or mpg (335 miles / 12 gallons = 27.9 mpg).[\[6\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-6) - If you use kilometers and liters, divide the fuel you used by the kilometers you traveled. Then, multiply the result by 100 to get "liters per 100 kilometers". - You have to start with a full tank and fill your gas tank all the way back up to know exactly how much gas your car consumed. 7. [![Step 7 Practice calculating fuel consumption with an example.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/63/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-7-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-7-Version-2.jpg) Terry's odometer reads 23,500 with a full tank of gas. After driving for a few days he needs to buy gas. The odometer reads 23,889, and it takes 12.5 gallons to refill his tank. What is his fuel consumption? - Fuel Consumption = (Final Distance - Starting Distance) / Fuel Usage - Fuel Consumption = (23,889 mi - 23,500 mi) / 12.5 gallons - Fuel Consumption = 389 mi / 12.5 gallons - **Fuel Consumption = 31.1 mpg** 1. [![Step 1 Remember that fuel consumption changes based on your driving.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c7/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-8-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-8-Version-2.jpg) For example, stopping and starting the car a lot uses more gas than driving at a constant pace. This is why highway consumption is usually less than city consumption.[\[7\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-7) - [Using cruise control](https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Cruise-Control-on-a-Car "Use Cruise Control on a Car") can help you get better fuel consumption. - Fuel consumption gets worse the faster you drive. - Since AC burns gasoline, using it diminishes your fuel consumption.[\[8\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-8) 2. [![Step 2 Record multiple tanks of gas in a row to find average fuel consumption.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/20/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-9-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-9-Version-2.jpg) To get a more accurate picture of your car's fuel consumption, gather more data. By driving over a longer period of time and averaging your fuel consumption, you eliminate outliers in your data. - Say, for example, that you calculated your fuel consumption on a day that you drove into the mountains, which you don’t normally do. [Climbing uphill](https://www.wikihow.com/Drive-Uphill "Drive Uphill") uses more fuel, so your fuel consumption on that day is lower than it normally is. 3. [![Step 3 Set your trip odometer to 0 with a full tank of gas.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/06/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-10-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-10-Version-2.jpg) After you fill up your car, use your trip button to set your trip odometer to 0. However, don't reset it back to 0 when you get a new tank of gas. When calculating average fuel consumption, you need to know the total distance you drove after refilling your car multiple times. - If you don't have an odometer, record how many miles are on your car with a full tank of gas as your “Starting Distance.” 4. [![Step 4 Record how much gas you purchase each time you fill up.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/4f/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-11-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-11-Version-2.jpg) To get a more accurate measure of fuel consumption, you need to know how much gas you are using whenever you get more gas. Each time you fill up, write down the number of gallons or liters you purchased.[\[9\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-9) 5. [![Step 5 Drive normally for several weeks.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/65/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-12-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-12-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-12-Version-2.jpg) Calculate your average fuel consumption during an average month of driving, as big trips or unusual travel changes your fuel consumption. For a more accurate reading, wait until you’ve filled up your car at least 3-4 times, which is typically over the course of several weeks. Make sure not to reset your trip odometer as you drive.[\[10\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-10) - You do not need to fill your car all the way up each time. All you need to do is record the number of gallons or liters you put in your car to calculate fuel consumption. 6. [![Step 6 Fill up your tank fully after driving for several weeks.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/34/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-13-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-13-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-13-Version-2.jpg) When you are ready to calculate your fuel consumption, top your car off and record the number of gallons or liters you put in. 7. [![Step 7 Add up the number of gallons or liters of fuel that you bought.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a6/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-14-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-14-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-14-Version-2.jpg) This represents the total amount of gas that you used over this period of time.[\[11\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-11) - If you filled up 3 times, once using 12 gallons, the other 3 gallons, and the last time using 10 gallons, your total gas usage is 25 gallons. 8. [![Step 8 Divide your total distance driven by total fuel used.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/82/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-15-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-15-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-15-Version-2.jpg) Check your trip odometer to see how many miles you traveled from when you began recording your fuel usage. Then, divide the distance you traveled by the fuel you used to get your average fuel consumption. This shows your miles per gallon or kilometers per liter for your test period, which is a good estimate of your car's average fuel consumption.[\[12\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-12) - For example, if you used 25 gallons of gas, and drove 500 miles during that time, then your average fuel consumption is 20 miles per gallon (500 miles / 25 gallons = 20 mpg). 9. [![Step 9 Know that your car's advertised mileage is often overestimated.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/01/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-16-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-16-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-16-Version-2.jpg) By law, car makers must post the average fuel consumption for cars. However, these are only estimates, and they are frequently on the high end.[\[13\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-13) Your car's fuel consumption is available online at the [United State’s Department of Energy website](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/trip/). To find your car's actual miles per gallon or kilometers per liter, you have to calculate it yourself. - If your calculation is drastically different from the suggested average, get your car checked out by a mechanic. An engine issue or part malfunction may cause your car to use fuel less efficiently. - Wondering what’s good mileage for a used car? Check out wikiHow’s [“What’s good mileage for a used car?” forum](https://www.wikihow.com/Forum/Discussion-Whats-Good-Mileage-for-a-Used-Car). 1. [![Step 1 Use the air conditioner only when you need it.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/97/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-17-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-17-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-17-Version-2.jpg) AC is powered by your car’s engine, so AC burns gas when you run it. This means you have less gasoline to drive with when you turn your AC on. When there’s a nice breeze outside, roll down your windows instead of turning on the AC. On really hot days, keep the AC on low or turn it off once your car is cool. This helps [make your car more fuel efficient](https://www.wikihow.com/Increase-Fuel-Mileage-on-a-Car "Increase Fuel Mileage on a Car").[\[14\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-14) - Running AC on max can decrease your fuel economy by almost 25%. 2. [![Step 2 Drive at the speed limit.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/63/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-18-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-18-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-18-Version-2.jpg) The faster you drive your car, the more fuel you consume. This amount you use isn’t small, either—every 5 mph you drive over 50 mph is equal to paying \$0.19 more for a gallon of gas.[\[15\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-15) 3. [![Step 3 Drive defensively...](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d3/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-19-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-19-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-19-Version-2.jpg) [**Drive defensively**](https://www.wikihow.com/Drive-Defensively "Drive Defensively")**.** It takes more energy to start moving a car than to keep it moving. That means if you are constantly tailgating people, stopping and starting, or trying to pass, you're using far more fuel than if you were keeping an even pace.[\[16\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-16) - Leave space between you and other vehicles so you’re able to come safely to a stop in case of an emergency.[\[17\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-17) - Brake and accelerate gently instead of slamming on either pedal.[\[18\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-18) 4. [![Step 4 Use cruise control when you’re driving for long, flat stretches.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/5b/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-20-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-20-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-20-Version-2.jpg) Cruise control keeps your car at a consistent and even speed. This avoids burning up fuel unnecessarily with small accelerations and stops.[\[19\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-19) 5. [![Step 5 Avoid using rooftop cargo carriers.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/72/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-22-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-22-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-22-Version-2.jpg) Rooftop cargo carriers greatly reduce your car’s aerodynamics, which slows down your car. Your slower speed means you have to use more fuel to get where you’re going. Instead of using a rooftop carrier, [use a towing trailer](https://www.wikihow.com/Tow-a-Trailer "Tow a Trailer") or load up the inside of your vehicle. These are generally more fuel-efficient options.[\[20\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-20) 6. [![Step 6 Keep your tires well-inflated.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b7/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-23-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-23-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-23-Version-2.jpg) If all 4 of your tires are low, your gas usage might lower by 0.3%. [Check your tire pressure](https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Air-Pressure-in-Tires "Check Air Pressure in Tires") regularly and [put air in them](https://www.wikihow.com/Put-Air-in-a-Tire "Put Air in a Tire") using an air pump. Most gas stations have air pumps for you to use. Then, simply inflate the tires up to the PSI recommended in your owner's manual.[\[21\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-21) - Some cars list the proper tire pressure on a sticker on the driver's side door or the glove compartment. 7. [![Step 7 Replace your air...](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/3b/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-24-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-24-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-24-Version-2.jpg) [**Replace your air filter**](https://www.wikihow.com/Change-Your-Air-Filter "Change Your Air Filter")**.** This is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to bump up your fuel efficiency. Buy the right filter for your car by bringing the make, model, and year to your local auto shop. An employee will help you find the right filter for your car, as every car needs a different filter. - Replacing the air filter on newer cars doesn’t help as much with fuel efficiency. It will, however, make it easier for your car to accelerate without issues.[\[22\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#_note-22) 8. [![Step 8 Turn off your car in traffic.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/78/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-21-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-21-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#/Image:Calculate-Fuel-Consumption-Step-21-Version-2.jpg) Idling, or leaving your car on when it isn't moving, wastes gas. If you know you’re going to be stuck in the same spot for a while, cut off the engine to save your precious gasoline. Search [Add New Question]() - Question I'm trying to do a fleet diesel consumption report and I don't know how to put all that in a spreadsheet. How can I go about it? ![wikiHow Staff Editor](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7c/WHInitials.png/-crop-100-100-100px-WHInitials.png) This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. ![wikiHow Staff Editor](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7c/WHInitials.png/-crop-100-100-100px-WHInitials.png) wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Using an excel spreadsheet or Google sheet, label the top of each column with the information you need to track. For example, your column labels might be "Date," "Odometer Reading," and "Amount of Fuel." When you refuel, simply enter the information under the correct column. - Question Will driving a truck on a low gear save fuel? ![wikiHow Staff Editor](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7c/WHInitials.png/-crop-100-100-100px-WHInitials.png) This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. ![wikiHow Staff Editor](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7c/WHInitials.png/-crop-100-100-100px-WHInitials.png) wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Staying in a lower gear actually increases your fuel consumption. So, to save fuel, put your car into a higher gear. - Question Why does the AC consume gasoline? ![wikiHow Staff Editor](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7c/WHInitials.png/-crop-100-100-100px-WHInitials.png) This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. ![wikiHow Staff Editor](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7c/WHInitials.png/-crop-100-100-100px-WHInitials.png) wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer The AC in your car is powered by the alternator in your engine, which uses gasoline to run. So, using your AC uses gas. [See more answers](https://www.wikihow.com/Questions/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#offset=3) Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. [Submit]() Advertisement ## Video - Always observe the posted speed limit when you’re driving. Thanks - It’s a good idea to turn your car off when you know you’ll be stopped for a long period of time (e.g. waiting to pick up someone at the airport). Generally, turning your car off at stop lights isn’t helpful since you’re typically only stopped for no more than 2 minutes. Thanks - Don't speed up and slow down irregularly. This wastes fuel, especially in big SUV and Sedan type vehicles. Thanks Thanks for submitting a tip for review\! Advertisement ## References About This Article [Article SummaryX](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption#summary_wrapper) To calculate fuel consumption, start by writing down how many miles you have on your car and then filling up the gas tank. Then, drive your car around until the gas tank is nearly empty. When the tank is almost empty, refill it and write down how many gallons of gas you needed and how many miles you've driven since the last time you filled up. Finally, divide the number of miles you drove by the number of gallons you put in the tank to find how many miles per gallon your car gets. To learn how to find the average fuel consumption for your vehicle, scroll down\! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 756,963 times. Reader Success Stories - ![Kwesi Aryee](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b0/CommunityAvatar2.png/-crop-100-100-100px-CommunityAvatar2.png) Kwesi Aryee May 20, 2017 "Very good and simple. Used it in developing a vehicle management app. Will track and see how realistically it..." [more](https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Fuel-Consumption) Rated this article: ## Did this article help you?
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