🛣️ Fuel Range Calculator
Enter your tank capacity and fuel economy to see how far a full tank will take you.
Range on a full tank
360 miles
Safe range (keep 10% reserve)
324 miles
Range is tank capacity × fuel economy (or tank ÷ L/100km × 100 for that unit). Real-world range is usually lower than this best case — highway driving, cold, headwinds, loads and city stop-start all cut economy. Keeping a reserve (10–15%) means you don\'t run the tank dry, which can also stress the fuel pump. 🔒 In your browser.
How the fuel range calculator works
Driving range is simply how much fuel you carry times how far you go per unit of fuel. For miles per gallon or kilometres per litre, range = tank × economy; for a L/100km figure, range = tank ÷ (L/100km) × 100. The tool works in whichever units you use and also shows a "safe range" that keeps a reserve buffer so you don't run the tank to empty.
This is a best-case figure — real economy is usually worse than the official or dashboard number because of highway speeds, cold weather, headwinds, loads, air-conditioning and city stop-start driving. Keep a 10–15% reserve: running very low stresses the fuel pump (it's cooled by the fuel) and leaves no margin if the next station is further than expected.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate driving range?
Multiply tank capacity by fuel economy: 12 gallons × 30 mpg = 360 miles, or 50 litres × 12 km/L = 600 km. For an L/100km rating, divide the tank by it and multiply by 100. This tool does all three.
How far can I drive on a full tank?
It depends on your tank size and economy. A typical car with a 12-gallon tank at 30 mpg goes about 360 miles on a full tank — but plan to refuel before empty. Enter your numbers for a specific figure.
Why is my real range lower than calculated?
Official and dashboard economy figures are optimistic. Highway speed, cold, wind, cargo, roof racks, air-con and city traffic all reduce economy, so real range often falls 10–20% short. Use a conservative economy figure and keep a reserve.
How much fuel reserve should I keep?
Aim to refuel with about 10–15% of the tank left. Beyond peace of mind, running the tank very low can overheat and wear the fuel pump, which relies on the fuel around it for cooling. The tool shows this "safe range".
Does this work in metric and imperial?
Yes — choose mpg with gallons, or km/L or L/100km with litres. The range comes out in miles or kilometres to match, so you can use whichever your car displays.