What this calculator does
Knowing a vehicle’s consumption rate is only half the useful question; the other half is how far that translates into on the fuel actually on board. This fuel range calculator takes a fuel amount and a consumption rate and works out the estimated distance still available before the tank runs dry.
This is the forward-looking counterpart to a plain fuel consumption calculation. A consumption calculator looks backward, turning a completed trip’s distance and fuel used into a rate; this calculator looks forward, turning that same rate and a fuel amount into a distance still to come.
The formula
Divide the fuel available by the consumption rate in litres per 100 km, then multiply by 100 to convert that ratio into an actual distance in kilometres. The same figure is also shown converted to miles.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Range | The estimated distance a vehicle can travel on the fuel available, at the stated consumption rate. |
| Consumption rate | Fuel used per 100 km travelled, in litres per 100 km, typically known from a past fill-up or the vehicle’s specifications. |
| Fuel available | The amount of fuel currently in the tank, or a hypothetical full-tank figure. |
The inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Fuel available (L) | The amount of fuel currently available, in litres. |
| Fuel consumption rate (L/100km) | The vehicle’s known consumption rate, in litres per 100 km. |
When to use it
Planning a trip against a tank of fuel
Before setting off, converting a known tank amount and consumption rate into an estimated range shows whether a refuel is needed along the way.
Deciding whether to stop for fuel now or later
Comparing the estimated range against the distance to the next fuel stop or destination gives a concrete answer rather than guessing from the fuel gauge alone.
Comparing vehicles or driving styles by their effective range
Two vehicles with the same tank size but different consumption rates cover very different distances on a full tank; this calculator makes that difference explicit in kilometres rather than only in the rate.
Worked examples
Every figure in the tables below is produced by this page’s own calculator at build time, so the numbers and the tool always agree. Select any row to load that scenario.
How range changes with fuel available at a fixed consumption rate
A fixed consumption rate of 8 L/100km, across a range of fuel amounts.
| Fuel available | Estimated range | Range in miles |
|---|---|---|
| 10 L | 125.00 km | 77.67 mi |
| 20 L | 250.00 km | 155.34 mi |
| 30 L | 375.00 km | 233.01 mi |
| 40 L | 500.00 km | 310.69 mi |
| 50 L | 625.00 km | 388.36 mi |
| 70 L | 875.00 km | 543.70 mi |
How range changes with consumption rate at a fixed fuel amount
A fixed 50 L of fuel, across a range of consumption rates.
| Consumption rate | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| 5 L/100km | 1,000.00 km |
| 6 L/100km | 833.33 km |
| 8 L/100km | 625.00 km |
| 10 L/100km | 500.00 km |
| 12 L/100km | 416.67 km |
| 15 L/100km | 333.33 km |
Questions
Where do I get my vehicle’s consumption rate?
Work it out from a past fill-up using the fuel consumption calculator, which turns a distance travelled and fuel used into a rate, or use a manufacturer’s quoted average.
Why might my actual range differ from the estimate?
Consumption rate varies with driving style, terrain, load, tyre pressure and weather, so the actual range on a given tank can run higher or lower than an estimate based on an average past rate.
Should I use my full tank size or the fuel currently remaining?
Either, depending on the question being asked. Enter the full tank size for a maximum-range figure, or the fuel currently showing on the gauge for a more immediate answer about the current trip.
Does this account for a fuel reserve I would not want to use?
No, it uses the fuel amount entered exactly as given. If you want to keep a safety margin, subtract that reserve from the fuel amount before entering it.
To work out the consumption rate behind this estimate from a past trip, use the fuel consumption calculator.