How to work out fuel cost
Cost ($) = litres × price (cents per litre) ÷ 100
Your car's official fuel use is on the Fuel Consumption Label and in the Green Vehicle Guide, but most drivers see 10% to 20% more in real driving. The trip computer gives a better figure for your own driving.
Fuel cost for common trips (8 L/100km, 190 c/L)
| Trip | Distance | Fuel | Cost one way |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney to Canberra | about 290 km | 23.2 L | $44.08 |
| Melbourne to Sydney | about 880 km | 70.4 L | $133.76 |
| Brisbane to Gold Coast | about 80 km | 6.4 L | $12.16 |
| Adelaide to Melbourne | about 730 km | 58.4 L | $110.96 |
Distances are approximate driving distances on the main highway route.
Worked example
A 500 km trip in a car using 8 L/100km burns 40 litres. At 190 cents a litre that costs $76.00, or 15.2 cents per km. Shared between two people it is $38 each.
Thinking about an electric car or charging at home? See what charging costs with the electricity cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate fuel cost for a trip?
Multiply the distance by your L/100km and divide by 100 to get litres, then multiply by the price per litre. 500 km at 8 L/100km and $1.90 a litre is $76.
How much fuel does a car use per 100 km?
Small cars use about 5 to 7 L/100km, medium SUVs 7 to 9 and large 4WDs and utes 9 to 13, more when towing.
How do I convert km per litre to L/100km?
Divide 100 by the km per litre. 12.5 km/L is 8 L/100km.
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Last updated October 2026.