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

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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

Is it bad to run on empty?+
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.
How accurate is the low-fuel warning?+
Usually triggers at 1/8 to 1/16 of tank — about 2-3 gallons remaining for typical 15-gallon tank.
Tank capacity vs usable capacity?+
Listed capacity is theoretical max; usable is typically 95-98% of that. The dispenser auto-shutoff and overflow channels reserve a bit.
Why might my real range be shorter?+
Hilly terrain, headwind, AC use, idling, cold weather — all reduce real-world MPG vs computed.
Does tank size affect MPG?+
No — bigger tank just means more range without refueling. The engine doesn't care how much is in the tank.

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