400 miles, 18 MPG, $4.25/gal, no surcharge
- Gallons ≈ 22.22
- Base cost ≈ $94.44
- Total ≈ $94.44
finance calculator
Diesel Fuel Cost Calculator
Estimate diesel fuel cost for a trip using distance, MPG, price per gallon, and optional fuel surcharge.
Results
- Gallons needed
- 22.22
- Base fuel cost
- $94
- Fuel surcharge
- $0
- Total fuel cost
- $94
How to use this calculator
- Enter trip distance in miles.
- Enter vehicle MPG and diesel price per gallon.
- Add fuel surcharge % if applicable.
- See gallons needed, base fuel cost, surcharge, and total cost.
Inputs explained
- Trip distance
- Total miles you plan to drive.
- MPG
- Vehicle efficiency in miles per gallon.
- Diesel price
- Price per gallon you expect to pay.
- Fuel surcharge
- Optional percent added to base fuel cost (e.g., freight surcharges).
How it works
Gallons needed = distance ÷ MPG.
Base fuel cost = gallons × price per gallon; surcharge applies a percent on top of base.
Formula
Gallons = Distance ÷ MPG Base fuel cost = Gallons × Price/gal Surcharge = Base fuel cost × Surcharge% Total = Base fuel cost + Surcharge
When to use it
- Budgeting diesel costs for road trips or towing.
- Estimating freight fuel charges with a surcharge.
- Comparing fuel costs across routes or vehicles with different MPG.
Tips & cautions
- Update price per gallon with local/regional rates for accuracy.
- Lower MPG if towing/hauling heavy loads; diesel efficiency drops with load.
- Add a buffer if fuel prices are volatile or if idling/traffic is expected.
- Assumes steady MPG and constant price; real-world conditions vary.
- Does not include taxes beyond pump price or other trip costs (tolls, parking).
- Surcharge is a simple percentage; actual freight fuel tables may differ.
Worked examples
750 miles, 14 MPG, $4.10/gal, 5% surcharge
- Gallons ≈ 53.57
- Base cost ≈ $219.63
- Surcharge ≈ $10.98
- Total ≈ $230.61
Deep dive
This diesel fuel cost calculator estimates gallons needed and total cost from distance, MPG, and diesel price, with an optional fuel surcharge.
Use it to budget trips, towing, or freight runs and to compare routes or vehicle choices.
FAQs
- Does this include gas taxes?
- Assumes pump price already includes taxes. Adjust price/gal if you need pre/post-tax views.
- What about traffic or idling?
- Not included; add a buffer to gallons or lower MPG to account for heavy traffic/idling.
- Towing or heavy loads?
- Reduce MPG to reflect real-world towing efficiency.
- Can I use this for gasoline?
- Yes—just enter your MPG and gas price instead of diesel.
- How to handle multiple fuel stops with different prices?
- Use an average price per gallon or run separate calculations per segment.
Related calculators
Estimate only. Fuel economy and prices vary with load, driving conditions, and region. Adjust inputs for your real-world scenario.