Cost per mile calculator
Find out exactly what it costs you to drive each mile.
Cost breakdown per mile
How to calculate cost per mile
The basic fuel cost per mile formula is simple:
Cost per mile = Gas price / MPG
For example, if gas costs $3.50/gallon and your car gets 28 MPG:
$3.50 / 28 = $0.125 per mile
That's your fuel-only cost. For the true cost of driving, you also need to factor in insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and other fixed costs. That's what the "ownership costs" section of the calculator is for.
Average cost per mile in 2026
According to AAA's annual driving cost study:
These include fuel, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, financing, and registration. Your actual cost depends on your specific car, driving habits, and location.
Ways to lower your cost per mile
Improve your MPG
Proper tire pressure, steady speed, and cruise control on highways can improve fuel economy by 10-15%.
Shop for cheaper gas
Gas prices can vary $0.30-$0.50/gallon within the same city. Apps like GasBuddy help you find the cheapest stations nearby.
Drive less
Fewer annual miles means your fixed costs (insurance, depreciation) are spread over fewer miles, increasing your per-mile cost. But you save more in total dollars. Use our commute cost calculator to quantify this.
Consider an EV or hybrid
Electric vehicles have the lowest fuel cost per mile ($0.03-$0.05/mile for electricity vs $0.10-$0.15 for gas). Compare with our EV vs gas calculator.
IRS standard mileage rate
The IRS sets a standard mileage rate for business driving deductions. For 2026, it's $0.70 per mile. This rate is meant to cover the average total cost of operating a vehicle, including gas, insurance, depreciation, and maintenance.
If your calculated cost per mile is significantly lower than the IRS rate, using the standard mileage deduction gives you a bigger tax break. If it's higher, you may benefit from tracking actual expenses instead.