Fuel consumption calculator
Measure your car's fuel consumption in L/100km, or work out how many litres (and how much money) a trip will take.
The fuel consumption formula
L/100km = litres ÷ km × 100
Measure it the same way as MPG: fill to the click, reset the trip meter, drive, refill to the click, and use the litres from the second fill. Averaging several tanks smooths out pump and weather variation. For trips, flip it around: litres needed = km × L/100km ÷ 100.
Typical consumption by car type
| Vehicle | Typical real-world L/100km | km/L |
|---|---|---|
| Full hybrid small car | 3.8–4.8 | 21–26 |
| Small petrol hatchback | 5.0–6.5 | 15–20 |
| Diesel family car | 4.5–6.0 | 17–22 |
| Petrol midsize SUV | 7.5–9.5 | 10.5–13 |
| Large 4×4 / pickup | 10–14 | 7–10 |
Broad ranges. Official WLTP figures are measured in a lab; most drivers see 10–20% higher consumption on the road.
Converting from an American rating? See the MPG to L/100km converter. Planning a drive with multiple riders? The trip fuel cost calculator splits the bill.
Questions drivers ask
How is fuel consumption calculated?
Fuel consumption = litres used ÷ kilometres driven × 100. If you used 38 litres over 520 km, that is 38 ÷ 520 × 100 = 7.3 L/100km.
What is the difference between fuel consumption and fuel economy?
Fuel consumption is fuel per distance (L/100km); lower is better. Fuel economy is distance per fuel (mpg or km/L); higher is better. They carry the same information, just inverted.
What is a good L/100km?
Under 5 L/100km is excellent (hybrids, small diesels). 5–7 is good for a petrol car, 7–9 is typical of family SUVs, and over 11 is thirsty.
How much fuel will I need for a trip?
Multiply the distance in km by your L/100km and divide by 100. 640 km at 6.8 L/100km needs 43.5 litres. Switch the calculator to "Fuel for a trip" to do it automatically.