How to easily calculate the petrol cost of your road trip

Next time you’re on a long road trip, use this app to accurately calculate petrol or diesel costs and effortlessly split the bill with friends.

Updated on 
August 13, 2024
Blogpost
August 13, 2024

How to easily calculate the petrol cost of your road trip

Next time you’re on a long road trip, use this app to accurately calculate petrol or diesel costs and effortlessly split the bill with friends.

Are you planning a road trip and concerned about budgeting for petrol? Introducing Roadtrip, a state-of-the-art app designed to eliminate the guesswork in estimating fuel costs for your journey. Whether you’re heading out on a cross-country adventure or a quick weekend escape, Roadtrip gives you a clear overview of your travel expenses from the get-go.

What Makes Roadtrip Unique?

Roadtrip streamlines travel budgeting by letting you enter your journey’s starting point, destination, and vehicle model. The app then utilizes this information, along with real-time petrol price data and your vehicle’s specific fuel efficiency, to deliver an accurate estimate of your fuel costs. This intuitive tool not only saves time but also helps you plan more effectively by accounting for various factors that impact fuel consumption.

Roadtrip Petrol Calculator

See the petrol cost from A to B

The Roadtrip app easily shows the cost to drive from A to B in your exact car model. It's super easy to use – just type in your car reg plate – plus it's completely free to see petrol prices, with no ads. What's really clever is that it shows the cheapest petrol stations along a route, and it has a "Cheaper Nearby" function which highlights if there's a cheaper station close by.

No items found.

The Manual Method: Calculating Petrol Costs the Traditional Way

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach or may not have access to apps like Roadtrip, calculating petrol costs manually is still a viable option. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Understanding Your Vehicle’s Fuel Efficiency

The first step in calculating petrol costs is determining your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, typically measured in miles per gallon (MPG) or kilometers per liter (KPL). This information can usually be found in your vehicle’s manual, on the manufacturer’s website, or through a quick online search. It’s important to note that factors such as the condition of your vehicle, the weight of your load, and your driving habits can influence your actual fuel efficiency.

Step 2: Mapping Out Your Route

Next, plan your route using maps or online route planners. Accurately calculating the total distance of your trip, including any planned detours or stops, is crucial for obtaining a reliable petrol cost estimate. The more precise your distance measurement, the more accurate your overall calculation will be.

Step 3: Keeping Up with Petrol Prices

Petrol prices can fluctuate significantly and vary from one region to another. To ensure an accurate calculation, research the current petrol prices in the areas you’ll be traveling through. Websites and apps that track fuel prices in real-time can be especially helpful for this step.

Step 4: Doing the Math

With all the necessary information in hand, you can now estimate your total petrol cost using the following formula:

Total Petrol Cost = (Total Distance / Fuel Efficiency) × Fuel Price per Unit

For example, if your vehicle achieves 20 MPG and you’re planning a 600-mile trip with petrol prices at $3.50 per gallon, your calculation would be:

Total Petrol Cost = (600 miles / 20 MPG) × $3.50 per gallon = $105

While this manual calculation is straightforward, it requires up-to-date information and careful arithmetic. It’s a solid alternative for those who prefer traditional methods, but it’s important to remain aware of potential errors and changing fuel prices.

Why use an app like Roadtrip instead of doing the petrol calculation manually?

While the manual method has its merits, apps like Roadtrip offers a seamless, accurate, and convenient solution for modern travelers. Here’s why Roadtrip stands out:

  • Instant Accuracy: Roadtrip instantly provides a precise estimate of your petrol costs by factoring in real-time fuel prices and your vehicle’s specific fuel efficiency.
  • Ease of Use: The app’s intuitive interface eliminates the need for complex calculations, making it accessible for users of all experience levels.
  • Time-Saving: With Roadtrip, you save time that would otherwise be spent researching fuel prices and calculating costs manually.
  • Multiple factors in your route: Roadtrip considers multiple variables that affect fuel consumption, such as your route, vehicle model, and driving conditions, ensuring a comprehensive budget estimate.

Estimating petrol costs for your road trip is an essential part of travel planning, whether you choose to calculate it manually or use an app like Roadtrip. While the manual method provides a hands-on approach, Roadtrip offers unparalleled ease, efficiency, and accuracy, ensuring your travel budget is reliable and stress-free. Whichever method you prefer, the key is to be well-prepared, allowing you to hit the road with confidence and fully enjoy your journey.