Miles Per Tank Calculator

Estimate how far you can drive on a full tank from MPG and tank capacity.

Inputs

Leave a buffer; 10% is common.

Result

Effective range
378 mi
Theoretical full range: 420 mi.
  • Tank capacity15 gal
  • Reserve buffer10%
  • Usable gallons13.50
  • MPG28
  • Range (with buffer)378 mi
  • Range (full)420 mi

Step-by-step

  1. Usable gallons = 15 × (1 − 0.1) = 13.50.
  2. Range = usable × MPG = 13.50 × 28 = 378 mi.

How to use this calculator

  • Enter your tank capacity (in the owner's manual or fuel-door sticker).
  • Enter your MPG.
  • Adjust reserve as you prefer.

About this calculator

Useful for planning fuel stops on long trips. The reserve buffer (10% is standard) accounts for the gap between "low fuel" warning and actual empty, which is typically 10-15%. Highway range is usually the upper bound; expect ~20% less in city driving.

Frequently asked

Yes — sediment from the bottom of the tank can clog the fuel filter, and the fuel pump (electric, lubricated by fuel) overheats when the tank is dry. Don't make a habit of it.

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