Estimate the fuel cost of a road trip or commute from the kilometres, your car’s fuel use in L/100 km and the pump price. A 300 km trip each way (600 km) in a car using 8.0 L/100 km needs 48 litres; at Sydney’s average unleaded price of 236.6c a litre that is $113.57.
Fuel Cost Calculator
Default price: Sydney average unleaded 236.6c/L (NRMA, 5 October 2026)
- Total distance
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- Fuel needed
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- Cost per km
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- Cost per person
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The formula
- Litres = kilometres × L/100 km ÷ 100
- Cost = litres × price per litre
- Cost per km = L/100 km × price per litre ÷ 100
Fuel prices in 2026
Pump prices have climbed sharply in 2026. The NRMA’s weekly report on 5 October 2026 put Sydney’s average at 236.6c a litre for unleaded and 283.1c for diesel. Prices vary between cities and change through the week, so enter the price you see at the bowser.
Cost per 100 km at 236.6c a litre
| Fuel use | Cost per 100 km |
|---|---|
| 5.0 L/100 km (hybrid) | $11.83 |
| 7.0 L/100 km (small car) | $16.56 |
| 9.0 L/100 km (mid-size SUV) | $21.29 |
| 12.0 L/100 km (4WD ute) | $28.39 |
Driving 15,000 km a year, a 4WD ute at 12.0 L/100 km costs about $2,484 more in fuel than a hybrid at 5.0 L/100 km.
FAQs
Can I claim car expenses at tax time?
If you use your own car for work (not ordinary commuting), you can usually claim using the cents per kilometre method (up to 5,000 business km) or the logbook method. Check the ATO’s current cents per km rate.
How do I find my real fuel use?
Fill the tank, reset the trip meter, drive normally, then refill. Divide the litres added by the kilometres driven and multiply by 100.
Related calculators
Sources
- NRMA: Weekly fuel report · 5 October 2026
- ATO: Cents per kilometre method
Figures current as of 12 October 2026
Each formula is checked against a separate test sheet with at least three worked examples. Results are estimates based on the numbers you enter and the published rules; your actual figures may differ. This is general information, not financial or tax advice.
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