Fuel Tank Range Calculator

One of the most practical questions any driver can ask is: how far can I drive on a full tank of gas? Whether you are planning a road trip, deciding when to refuel on a long highway stretch, or simply budgeting for fuel expenses, knowing your vehicle's driving range gives you confidence and control. A vehicle's range depends on just two factors—fuel tank capacity and fuel economy—and our fuel tank range calculator above computes it instantly for both US and metric units.

Beyond the basic full-tank range, this calculator also shows your remaining range based on your current fuel level, the cost to fill up, how many miles you get per dollar of fuel, and how much fuel you need to top off. These numbers are essential for trip planning and understanding your vehicle's true capabilities.

How Far Can I Drive on a Full Tank?

Your vehicle's driving range is determined by a simple relationship between tank size and fuel efficiency. A larger tank holds more fuel, and a more efficient engine travels farther on each gallon or liter. The combination of these two factors determines how far you can drive before needing to stop for gas.

According to the EPA's Automotive Trends Report, the average passenger vehicle in the United States achieves 27.2 MPG with a fuel tank ranging from 12 to 16 gallons. This means most cars can travel 325 to 435 miles on a full tank. However, range varies dramatically by vehicle type:

• Compact sedans with small tanks (11–13 gal) but high MPG (32–40) often achieve 380–480 miles of range.
• Full-size trucks with large tanks (24–36 gal) but lower MPG (15–20) achieve 360–540 miles despite lower efficiency.
• Hybrids combine modest tanks (10–12 gal) with exceptional MPG (45–58) for ranges of 450–700 miles.

Knowing your range helps you plan fuel stops on road trips, avoid running out of gas in remote areas, and compare vehicles when shopping for your next car. Use the calculator above or read on for the formula and detailed examples.

The Range Formula

The driving range formula is straightforward in both US and metric systems:

US Formula (MPG)

Metric Formula (L/100km)

To find your remaining range at any fuel level, multiply the full-tank range by your fuel percentage:

The cost calculations use your gas price to determine fill-up cost and fuel efficiency per dollar:

Worked Examples

Example 1: Mid-Size Sedan

A Toyota Camry with a 14.5-gallon tank averaging 32 MPG:

Example 2: Full-Size SUV

A Chevrolet Tahoe with a 24-gallon tank averaging 19 MPG:

Example 3: Toyota Prius Hybrid

A Prius with an 11.3-gallon tank averaging 54 MPG:

Notice how the Prius achieves the greatest range despite having the smallest tank—fuel economy matters more than tank size for maximizing range. Compare fuel costs between any two vehicles with our Fuel Savings Calculator.

Range by Vehicle Type

The table below shows typical tank sizes, fuel economy ratings, and resulting driving ranges for common vehicle categories. Data is based on FuelEconomy.gov averages for model year 2024 vehicles:

Factors That Reduce Your Range

Your calculated range represents an estimate under ideal conditions. Several real-world factors can significantly reduce the distance you can travel on a tank of gas:

City vs. Highway Driving

Stop-and-go city driving reduces fuel economy by 15–30% compared to steady-speed highway cruising. If your vehicle is rated at 30 MPG combined, you may get only 24 MPG in heavy urban traffic, cutting your expected 420-mile range down to about 336 miles. Check our Highway vs City MPG guide for more details.

Air Conditioning

Running the AC can reduce fuel economy by 5–25%, with the biggest impact at low speeds and in stop-and-go traffic. On a hot summer day in city driving, AC use could shave 50–100 miles off your full-tank range. Learn more in our article on AC and gas mileage.

Heavy Cargo and Towing

Every 100 pounds of extra weight reduces fuel economy by about 1–2%. A vehicle loaded with passengers, luggage, and a rooftop cargo box could see a 10–15% drop in fuel economy, translating to 40–70 fewer miles per tank.

Cold Weather

In winter, fuel economy drops 10–20% for short trips and 15–33% for trips under 3–4 miles. Cold engine starts, winter-blend gasoline, and increased electrical loads (heating, defrosters) all contribute. A vehicle with a 400-mile summer range may only achieve 320–360 miles in winter.

Hilly Terrain and Elevation

Driving through mountainous terrain increases fuel consumption substantially. Climbing long grades at highway speeds can double your fuel consumption rate compared to flat roads, though you recover some fuel on descents. If your route includes significant elevation changes, reduce your estimated range by 15–25%.

Tire Pressure and Maintenance

Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy by up to 3% for every 1 PSI below the recommended pressure. Dirty air filters, worn spark plugs, and misaligned wheels further reduce efficiency. Regular maintenance keeps your range as close to the calculated figure as possible.

Tips to Maximize Your Range

1. Maintain steady speeds. Use cruise control on highways. Driving at 55–60 MPH is typically the sweet spot for fuel economy. Every 5 MPH above 50 is roughly equivalent to paying an extra $0.20–$0.30 per gallon.
2. Accelerate gently. Aggressive acceleration from stops can reduce city fuel economy by 15–30%. Smooth, gradual acceleration maximizes range.
3. Keep tires properly inflated. Check tire pressure monthly. Keeping tires at the manufacturer's recommended PSI improves fuel economy by up to 3%.
4. Reduce unnecessary weight. Remove rooftop cargo carriers, heavy items from the trunk, and anything you do not need. Lighter vehicles travel farther on the same fuel.
5. Plan your route. Use GPS apps that show fuel-efficient routes. Highways with steady speeds and fewer stops generally offer better range than shorter routes through towns with many traffic lights.
6. Limit AC at low speeds. At city speeds, cracking windows may use less fuel than AC. On the highway, AC is more efficient than open windows due to aerodynamic drag.
7. Stay on top of maintenance. Replace air filters, use the recommended oil viscosity, and address check engine lights promptly. A faulty oxygen sensor alone can reduce fuel economy by up to 40%, according to the Department of Energy.

For more fuel-saving strategies, read our comprehensive guide on how to save money on gas.

Frequently Asked Questions