Mileage Calculator (Car)
The mileage calculator divides distance travelled by fuel consumed to give your car's fuel efficiency, and shows the cost per kilometre based on fuel price.
verified_userReviewed by the Calculopedia editorial teamLast updated 2026-08-15
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quizExample
How this calculator works, with real numbers (no JavaScript needed):
Inputs
- Distance travelled
- 500
- Fuel consumed
- 40
- Fuel price
- 102
Results
- Mileage
- 12.5
- Cost per km
- ₹8.16
- Total fuel cost
- ₹4,080
functionsThe formula
Mileage (fuel efficiency) is how many kilometres your car travels on one litre of fuel. A higher figure means the same trip costs you less at the pump — and over a year of driving, a few km/l either way is the difference between a few thousand rupees and a lot more.
The formula
Mileage = distance (km) ÷ fuel consumed (liters)
For 500 km on 40 liters:
Mileage = 500 ÷ 40 = **12.5 km/l**
Cost per kilometre
Cost per km = (40 × ₹102) ÷ 500 = ₹8.16 per km
If you drive 15,000 km a year, that works out to about ₹1,22,400 a year just on fuel. Try the calculator with your own figures to see your real annual fuel bill — it's often the single biggest recurring cost of owning a car.
Typical real-world mileage in India
| Fuel type | City (stop-go) | Highway |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol hatchback | 12–15 km/l | 18–22 km/l |
| Petrol sedan | 11–14 km/l | 16–19 km/l |
| Diesel | 16–20 km/l | 22–26 km/l |
| CNG | 18–24 km/kg | 24–30 km/kg |
| Electric | 4.5–6.5 km/kWh | 3–4.5 km/kWh |
ARAI vs real-world — why the number differs
The figure printed on the brochure comes from ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) and is measured under ideal, controlled laboratory conditions — a flat test track, steady speeds and no traffic. Real-world mileage is almost always 15–25% lower because of city congestion, idling, AC use, loaded passengers and varying terrain. That's why measuring with your own odometer matters more than trusting the sticker.
How to measure your car's real mileage
- Fill the tank completely and reset the trip meter.
- Drive your normal mix of city and highway for several days.
- Top up to the brim and record the litres pumped and kilometres driven.
- Enter both into the calculator. Repeat 3–4 fills and average for a reliable number.
What affects car mileage most
- AC usage — running the AC can cut mileage by 10–25%, more in city traffic.
- Driving style — aggressive acceleration and heavy braking burn extra fuel.
- Speed — most petrol cars are most efficient at 60–80 km/h; above 100 km/h efficiency drops sharply.
- Tyre pressure — under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and fuel use.
- Load & roof racks — extra weight and aerodynamic drag increase consumption.
- Maintenance — a clogged air filter or worn spark plugs reduce efficiency.
Compare fuels for your budget
If you're deciding between fuel types, use this calculator on each tank you record, then combine with fuel price per km. As a rough guide: diesel and CNG tend to give lower cost-per-km on daily long commutes, while CNG and EVs shine on predictable city routes. This tool helps you quantify the per-km cost so you're comparing real numbers, not marketing claims.
helpFrequently asked questions
question_markHow do I calculate car mileage?
Fill the tank to the brim, reset the trip meter, drive normally, then fill to the brim again. Divide the distance driven by the litres added. For example, 500 km ÷ 40 litres = 12.5 km/l.
question_markWhat is good car mileage in India?
Real-world figures: petrol hatchbacks typically manage 12–15 km/l in the city, diesel cars 16–20 km/l, and CNG models 18–24 km/kg. Highway figures run noticeably higher than city figures.
question_markWhy is my real mileage lower than the ARAI figure?
ARAI figures come from ideal lab conditions. City traffic, AC use, loaded weight, aggressive driving and higher speeds reduce real-world mileage by about 15–25%.
question_markHow do I reduce my car's fuel cost?
Drive at a steady 60–80 km/h, keep tyres properly inflated, use AC less in stop-and-go traffic, avoid aggressive acceleration and braking, and service the car on schedule.
question_markIs diesel or CNG cheaper to run than petrol?
Usually yes for high-mileage drivers. Diesel and CNG typically give both better efficiency and lower per-km cost, but the higher upfront price of diesel/CNG variants and the lower availability of CNG matter — compute cost per km with this tool to compare honestly.