How to work out fuel cost
Cost ($) = litres × price (cents per litre) ÷ 100
Your car's official fuel use is in Natural Resources Canada's Fuel Consumption Guide and on the EnerGuide label, but most drivers see more in real driving, especially in winter. The trip computer gives a better figure for your own driving.
Fuel cost for common trips (8 L/100km, 160 c/L)
| Trip | Distance | Fuel | Cost one way |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto to Montreal | about 540 km | 43.2 L | $69.12 |
| Toronto to Ottawa | about 450 km | 36.0 L | $57.60 |
| Calgary to Edmonton | about 300 km | 24.0 L | $38.40 |
| Vancouver to Kelowna | about 390 km | 31.2 L | $49.92 |
Distances are approximate driving distances on the main highway route.
Worked example
A 500 km trip in a car using 8 L/100km burns 40 litres. At 160 cents a litre that costs $64.00, or 12.8 cents per km. Shared between two people it is $32 each.
Thinking about an electric car or charging at home? See what charging costs with the electricity cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate fuel cost for a trip?
Multiply the distance by your L/100km and divide by 100 to get litres, then multiply by the price per litre. 500 km at 8 L/100km and $1.60 a litre is $64.
How much fuel does a car use per 100 km?
Small cars use about 6 to 8 L/100km, mid-size SUVs 8 to 10 and pickup trucks 11 to 15, more in winter and when towing.
How do I convert km per litre to L/100km?
Divide 100 by the km per litre. 12.5 km/L is 8 L/100km.
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Last updated October 2026.