A gas mileage calculator can be used to determine a particular vehicle’s fuel economy performance. Using a simple mathematical formula of miles driven and gallons used, a driver can quickly and easily verify how efficient his or her vehicle is. Most online versions of a gas mileage calculator will allow drivers to enter the necessary information, which will result in the calculation of the vehicle’s gas mileage data.
In order to determine a vehicle’s gas mileage for a given trip, the fuel tank typically should be filled prior to travel. Once the tank has been filled, total trip mileage will also need to be documented; this can be done by recording the odometer reading prior to the trip, and once again at the end of the trip. Vehicles that allow the driver to reset a trip function of the odometer could easily view their trip miles once arriving to his or her destination. Upon completion of the trip, the vehicle should be fueled once again, this time taking note of the gallons being added, which is the amount used for the trip. Taking the total miles traveled and dividing it by the gallons used will result in the vehicle’s current fuel economy.
A quick Internet search for gas mileage calculator or fuel consumption calculator will reveal a variety of free, easy-to-use calculators, as well as downloadable gas calculator software for a personal computer (PC). Most calculators default to the United States (US) standard measurement of miles and gallons; however, they usually will allow metric system conversions. Additionally, several online gas mileage calculators will verify price-per-gallon information. This feature helps determine how much money per mile it costs to operate the vehicle rather than the mileage it is getting per gallon.
Several factors should be taken into consideration with regards to the accuracy of the gas mileage calculator results. Driving at a constant speed, rather than heavy acceleration and breaking, will improve results. In addition, averaging highway speeds of 30 to 60 miles per hour (about 48.3 to 96.6 kilometers per hour) will yield a better performance than a trip taken in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Highway winds, rough terrain, poor weather conditions, and added cargo will all result in decreased performance as well.
