Dashboard display showing fuel economy, representing how EPA label MPG numbers relate to real-world driving

Understanding the EPA Fuel Economy Label (City, Highway, Combined MPG)

February 23, 2026 9 min read

Quick Summary The EPA fuel economy label is a standardized window sticker for new vehicles that helps you compare fuel use, costs, and emissions across models. The most prominent number is Combined MPG, but the label also includes City and Highway MPG, a fuel consumption rate (gallons per 100 miles), estimated fuel costs, and Greenhouse Gas and Smog ratings. Used correctly, it’s one of the fastest ways to compare vehicles—especially when you match the label to your own driving pattern and fuel prices.

Start with Combined MPG, then sanity-check City/Highway MPG for your commute.
Use gallons/100 miles when comparing fuel savings (it’s more directly tied to fuel use).
Fuel costs are estimates based on assumptions—personalize with your mileage and local prices.
GHG and Smog ratings summarize tailpipe emissions on a 1–10 scale.

If you are comparing cars and wondering which MPG number matters, the EPA fuel economy label is designed to answer that quickly. The label is explained by the EPA in both a clickable interactive version and a text version, which makes it easier to understand every part of the sticker before you buy.

In this guide, we’ll break down each section of the label and show how to connect the sticker numbers to real-world questions like: “How much will this cost me per month?” and “Will this actually save fuel on my commute?”

What the EPA Label Shows

The fuel economy label is a standardized snapshot. For gasoline vehicles, it typically includes:

City, Highway, and Combined MPG for quick comparison.
Fuel consumption rate (gallons per 100 miles) for combined driving.
Estimated annual fuel cost and a 5-year comparison (often shown as “You Save/Spend More”).
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) and Smog ratings on a 1–10 scale.

If you’re shopping used, the EPA also supports printable used-vehicle labels through fuel economy label tools that link to FuelEconomy.gov.

City vs Highway vs Combined MPG

For most shoppers, Combined MPG is the best starting point because it’s meant to summarize a mix of city and highway driving. The EPA’s label explanation notes that combined fuel economy is calculated using a weighted approach that emphasizes city driving (see our deep-dive: Combined MPG Explained). The gasoline label text describes how the city and highway values roll up into the combined number.

But your commute might not match that mix. If you do mostly highway miles, the Highway MPG figure may be closer to what you see day to day. If you do mostly stop-and-go trips, City MPG matters more (related: Highway vs City MPG).

Quick rule: Use Combined MPG to compare cars quickly, then check City/Highway MPG to see whether the combined number matches your driving.

Fuel Consumption and Fuel Cost

The label doesn’t just show MPG. It also shows a fuel consumption rate in gallons per 100 miles (for combined driving). The EPA’s interactive label explains that fuel consumption is directly related to fuel use and fuel spending. That’s why it’s a useful number when you’re comparing savings between vehicles. Learn more in our guide: Gallons per 100 miles explained.

The label also includes Estimated Annual Fuel Cost. EPA explains that this is based on assumptions shown in the fine print (for example, assumptions about annual miles and fuel price). You can learn the details in the EPA’s interactive label and in our post: Estimated annual fuel cost on the EPA label.

Trip Fuel Cost = (Distance ÷ MPG) × Price per Gallon

Use your own miles, your own MPG expectations, and local gas prices for the most accurate estimate.

If you want to personalize the label cost numbers in 30 seconds, use our calculators:

Fuel Cost Calculator (trip budgeting)
Cost Per Mile Calculator (fuel cost per mile and annual fuel cost)

Greenhouse Gas and Smog Ratings

The label includes two 1–10 scales that summarize tailpipe emissions:

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) rating, which reflects tailpipe CO₂ emissions (EPA provides the rating scale and methodology in its Greenhouse Gas Rating documentation).
Smog rating, which reflects tailpipe pollutants that contribute to local air pollution (EPA explains the pollutants covered in its Smog Vehicle Emissions page and in the gasoline label text).

For gasoline vehicles, EPA notes that fuel economy and GHG ratings move together because CO₂ emissions are directly related to the amount of fuel consumed. The label explanation also makes it clear that real-world results can vary with driving, maintenance, accessory use, weather, loading, and road conditions.

How to Use the Label When Shopping

Here’s a practical, non-hype way to use the label to choose between vehicles:

Shortlist vehicles that fit your needs (size, safety, seating, cargo).
Compare Combined MPG, then check City/Highway MPG for your specific commute.
Compare gallons/100 miles when you care about actual fuel used and cost differences.
Use the annual fuel cost as a starting point, then personalize with your annual miles and local fuel prices.
Use a calculator to estimate your real budget impact (monthly commute cost, road trips, etc.).

If you’re also trying to understand what “good” MPG looks like in today’s market, see: What is good gas mileage for a car?

What the Label Can’t Predict

The EPA label is built for comparison, but it can’t perfectly predict your MPG. EPA’s fine print emphasizes that results can differ based on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, how much you use air conditioning and other accessories, weather, road conditions, and load. If you want to narrow the gap between label MPG and real-world MPG, our guide How to save money on gas covers practical steps (driving behavior, maintenance, and route choices) with citations.

Personalize the Label in Under a Minute

Use your commute distance, your MPG target, and your local gas price to estimate real fuel cost.

Try the Commute Gas Cost Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do the MPG numbers on the label come from?

The MPG values are based on EPA test procedures. EPA outlines how fuel economy is tested and adjusted for label values in its fuel economy and EV range testing overview.

What is the difference between MPG and gallons per 100 miles?

MPG measures how far you go on a gallon. Gallons per 100 miles measures how much fuel you use to go a fixed distance. EPA explains on its interactive label that fuel consumption relates directly to fuel used and fuel expenditures. See: Gallons per 100 miles explained.

Does the EPA label apply to used cars?

Yes. EPA describes used-vehicle label tools that let you find the official MPG and CO₂ information online through FuelEconomy.gov. Details are on Learn about the Fuel Economy Label.

Do hybrids and EVs have different labels?

They do. EPA provides label explanations for gasoline vehicles, electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrids (including charging time and MPGe for vehicles that use electricity). Start with Learn about the Fuel Economy Label.