Fuel Calculator

How do I use the Fuel Calculator?

The Fuel Calculator is simple and easy to use. Basically, it compares two cars to find the lowest fuel cost, whether it's petrol or diesel, hybrid v electric, petrol v electric or any combination of these. The tool spans all makes and models, and then displays the information in an easy to understand layout with the cheapest car appearing in a green summary box.

There’s no limit to the number of cars you can compare. Obviously, comparing every make and model of car is a complicated task, so we’ve limited the Fuel Calculator to compare just two cars at any one time. We think this easiest way to display the information, without bombarding users with dozens of facts and figures.

To drill down the numbers and provide the most accurate readings, the calculator factors in some essential variables: car price, fuel type, average consumption, CO2 emissions and VED. By doing all this, the calculator can work out a car’s cost per 10,000 miles and then compare it with another to produce the lowest fuel cost.

Am I limited to just 10,000 miles for comparisons?

No, 10,000 miles is the default setting the Fuel Calculator operates by. You can change the average mileage to whatever figure you want to ensure it reflects your real world motoring.

Is this just a petrol or diesel calculator or can I compare hybrid and electric cars?

This calculator doesn't just compare petrol or diesel, it will also let you compare all powertrains - petrol v diesel v hybrid v electric. It will also factor in electric grants and battery hire, should it apply to the electric car in question.

Will the fuel calculator factor in congestion charging?

Yes, the Fuel Calculator will work out London congestion charge savings if the car in question qualifies for exemption.

Official fuel consumptions aren’t always accurate. Will the Calculator factor in real world economy?

We’ve plugged the calculator into our Real MPG database. This allows the calculator to give two fuel consumption readings – official MPG and Real MPG – which lets buyers get a better understanding when it comes to comparing how many miles a car will do the gallon.