8
L
$12.00
0.12
$/km
2.11
gal
0.8
L
8
L
$12.00
0.12
$/km
2.11
gal
0.8
L
The Fuel Consumption Calculator uses the European and Canadian standard measurement — liters per 100 kilometers (L/100km) — to calculate exactly how much fuel you need for any trip and what it will cost. This metric is the official fuel economy standard used across the European Union, Canada, Australia, and many other countries, making it essential for international travelers and drivers outside the United States.
Unlike MPG (which is a distance-per-volume metric), L/100km is a consumption rate — it directly tells you how many liters of fuel a vehicle uses per 100 kilometers driven. A lower L/100km value means a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Modern compact cars typically achieve 5–7 L/100km, family sedans consume 7–9 L/100km, and SUVs or trucks may consume 10–15 L/100km or more.
The calculator provides fuel needs in both liters and US gallons, making it useful whether you are traveling in a metric country or need to convert for reference. The total fuel cost output uses the price per liter, which is the standard pricing format in metric countries where fuel is sold by the liter rather than the gallon.
For travelers renting vehicles in Europe, knowing the vehicle's rated consumption (listed in L/100km in the rental agreement) and the local fuel price allows precise trip budgeting before you arrive at the pump.
The L/100km system uses a straightforward proportional formula:
Fuel Needed:
$$\text{Fuel (L)} = \frac{\text{Distance (km)}}{100} \times \text{Consumption Rate (L/100km)}$$
For example, a vehicle rated at 8 L/100km traveling 250 km needs: 250/100 × 8 = 20 liters.
Conversion to US gallons:
$$\text{Gallons} = \frac{\text{Liters}}{3.78541}$$
Fuel cost:
$$\text{Cost} = \text{Fuel (L)} \times \text{Price per Liter}$$
The L/100km metric is particularly useful for cost calculations because it scales linearly: a vehicle consuming 10 L/100km costs exactly twice as much to fuel as one consuming 5 L/100km, for the same distance and fuel price. This makes direct comparison between vehicles straightforward — unlike MPG, where the relationship between efficiency and cost is hyperbolic, making comparisons at similar MPG values misleading.
European fuel efficiency benchmarks for gasoline vehicles: under 5 L/100km is excellent (efficient small cars, mild hybrids), 5–7 L/100km is good (compact and mid-size cars), 7–10 L/100km is average (family cars, small SUVs), 10–13 L/100km is below average (large SUVs, performance vehicles), above 13 L/100km is poor fuel economy for modern vehicles.
European fuel prices (as of 2025) typically range from €1.50–€2.00/liter for gasoline, significantly higher than US prices due to higher fuel taxes. A vehicle consuming 8 L/100km at €1.80/liter costs €14.40 per 100 km in fuel — approximately $15.60 at current exchange rates.
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A 500 km trip in a 6.5 L/100km rental car at €1.75/L requires 32.5 liters of fuel at a total cost of €56.88.
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An SUV consuming 11.5 L/100km over 200 km of city driving uses 23 liters — a relatively high consumption rate that highlights the running cost advantage of more efficient alternatives.
Under 5 L/100km is excellent — achieved by hybrids, efficient small cars, and modern turbocharged compacts. Between 5–7 L/100km is good and typical of efficient mainstream cars. 7–10 L/100km is average for family cars and small crossovers. Above 10 L/100km indicates a thirstier vehicle such as a large SUV, sports car, or older vehicle. Plug-in hybrids in EV mode use 0 L/100km; in hybrid mode they typically achieve 2–5 L/100km.
Use the formula: MPG = 235.215 ÷ L/100km. For example, 8 L/100km = 235.215 ÷ 8 = 29.4 MPG. Conversely, MPG to L/100km: L/100km = 235.215 ÷ MPG. The constant 235.215 comes from combining the unit conversions for gallons to liters (3.78541) and miles to kilometers (1.60934): 100 × 3.78541 / 1.60934 ≈ 235.21.
L/100km is preferred because it scales linearly with fuel cost. If you want to know how much fuel two vehicles will use over the same distance, simply compare their L/100km values directly. With MPG, the comparison is non-linear — going from 10 to 20 MPG saves more fuel than going from 40 to 50 MPG, which is counterintuitive for consumers. The European Commission has found that L/100km leads to better consumer understanding of fuel costs and environmental impact.
Yes, significantly. Most vehicles consume more fuel per 100 km in city driving (frequent acceleration and braking) than on the highway (steady speed). A car rated at 7 L/100km combined might use 9 L/100km in the city and only 5.5 L/100km on the highway. Use the appropriate driving cycle rating for your intended trip type to get the most accurate fuel estimate.
Fuel prices vary widely by country due to taxes and subsidies. As of early 2025, approximate gasoline prices per liter: Germany €1.70–€1.90, France €1.65–€1.85, UK £1.40–£1.55 (≈€1.65–€1.85), Canada CAD$1.50–$1.80 (≈€1.00–€1.20), Australia AUD$1.90–$2.20 (≈€1.15–€1.35), Japan ¥165–¥180 (≈€1.05–€1.15). US prices are among the lowest in developed nations, typically $0.90–$1.20/liter (€0.83–€1.11).
Yes — diesel vehicles are also rated in L/100km in metric countries. Diesel cars typically achieve 15–25% better fuel economy than equivalent gasoline cars, so their L/100km ratings are lower. However, diesel fuel prices are often higher per liter. Enter the actual diesel price per liter for your region and your diesel vehicle's rated consumption to get an accurate fuel cost estimate.
Roboculator Team
The Roboculator Team explains calculations, planning tools, and practical formulas in clear language for real-life situations.
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