Fuel Range Calculator
Work out how far you can drive on the fuel in your tank, from the litres of fuel and your car's fuel consumption.
Results
Driving range
769.2 km
Until the fuel you entered is used up.
- Range in miles
- 478 mi
Driving range 769.2 kilometres, or 478 miles.
Formula
- Driving range (km)
- = fuel (L) ÷ fuel consumption (L/100 km) × 100
Dividing the fuel by the consumption gives the number of “hundreds of kilometres” the fuel will last; multiplying by 100 turns that into kilometres. Miles are kilometres ÷ 1.609344.
Worked example
Your car has 50 litres of fuel in the tank and uses 6.5 L/100 km.
Step 1: Driving range
50 ÷ 6.5 × 100 = 769.2 km
Step 2: Range in miles
769.2 ÷ 1.609344 = 478 mi
50 litres is enough for about 769.2 km (478 miles) at that consumption.
Keep a reserve
The result is the distance until the fuel you entered runs out, not a safe distance to drive. To plan with a margin, enter only the fuel you are prepared to use — for example, your tank size minus the amount you like to keep in reserve.
Why your dashboard range can differ
A car's “distance to empty” estimate is usually based on your recent consumption, so it rises and falls with how you have been driving. This calculator uses the consumption you enter, which makes it useful for planning a trip in advance.
Real consumption rises with high speed, heavy loads, roof boxes, towing, cold weather and stop-start traffic. For a long trip, running the calculation with a slightly higher consumption gives a more cautious range.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate the range of a full tank?
Divide your tank capacity in litres by your fuel consumption in L/100 km, then multiply by 100. For example, a 50 litre tank at 6.5 L/100 km gives 50 ÷ 6.5 × 100, or about 769 km.
How do I work out range from a partly full tank?
Enter the fuel you have left. If you only know the fuel gauge reading, multiply your tank capacity by it: a 60 litre tank showing a quarter full holds about 15 litres.
Where do I find my tank size?
Your owner's manual or the manufacturer's specifications list the fuel tank capacity in litres. The amount you can actually add from the warning light to full is usually a little less.
Can I use MPG instead of L/100 km?
This calculator uses L/100 km. Convert a US MPG figure first by dividing 235.214583 by it, or use the MPG to L/100 km converter.
Does this work for electric cars?
No. It is for vehicles that burn liquid fuel measured in litres. Electric car range depends on battery capacity in kWh and energy use per kilometre.
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Kilometres to Miles Converter
Convert a distance in kilometres (km) to miles (mi) using the exact international mile.