Refueling Stop Estimator
Refueling Stop Estimator. Estimate stops from range and distance. Enter your values and view the result.
Refueling Stop Estimator
Estimate stops from range and distance.
Use the calculation engine below to model your exact costs with custom fuel prices, distances, and vehicle efficiencies:
Refueling Stop Estimator: inputs
Adjust sliders or enter exact figures
Monthly Fuel Budget
Real-Time Visual Breakdown
Comparing your expense against alternative vehicle classes
Price Fluctuation Stress Test
See how unexpected gas price surges would impact your monthly budget
How Refueling Stop Estimator Works
The Refueling Stop Estimator works by dividing the trip distance by the usable range per tank to count the refuel stops a trip needs.
- Step 1
Enter trip distance
Type the total route distance in miles or kilometers.
- Step 2
Enter tank and economy
Type tank capacity and MPG or L/100 km.
- Step 3
Set the refuel level
Choose when to refuel, such as at 1/4 tank, to keep a reserve.
- Step 4
Read the stop count
The calculator shows usable range per tank and the number of stops after a full start.
Refueling Stop Estimator Formula
The Refueling Stop Estimator formula subtracts the first tank’s range and divides the rest by usable range per tank.
Usable Range = Tank Capacity × (1 − Refuel Level) × MPG
Stops = ⌈(Trip Distance − Usable Range) ÷ Usable Range⌉
- Refuel Level
- = tank level at which you stop (0.25 = 1/4 tank)
- ⌈ ⌉
- = round up to the next whole number
Worked Example
- A family drives 1,150 miles (1,851 km) in a car with a 14-gallon (53 L) tank at 30 MPG and refuels at 1/4 tank.
- Usable range = 14 × 0.75 × 30 = 315 miles (507 km).
- Stops = ⌈(1,150 − 315) ÷ 315⌉ = ⌈2.65⌉ = 3 stops.
- Stops fall at about miles 315, 630, and 945.
Refueling Stop Estimator Conversion Table
The Refueling Stop Estimator conversion table counts refuel stops by trip distance for 2 vehicles that start full: one with 315 miles (507 km) of usable range and one with 450 miles (724 km).
| Trip (mi) | Trip (km) | Stops at 315 mi Range | Stops at 450 mi Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 | 402 | 0 | 0 |
| 500 | 805 | 1 | 1 |
| 750 | 1,207 | 2 | 1 |
| 1,000 | 1,609 | 3 | 2 |
| 1,150 | 1,851 | 3 | 2 |
| 1,500 | 2,414 | 4 | 3 |
| 2,000 | 3,219 | 6 | 4 |
| 2,800 | 4,506 | 8 | 6 |
What is a Refueling Stop Estimator?
A Refueling Stop Estimator is a trip planning tool that estimates the number of refuel stops from vehicle range and trip distance.
Each refuel stop adds 10 to 20 minutes to a trip. The Refueling Stop Estimator counts stops in advance, which helps drivers set realistic arrival times and plan stops around meals and rest breaks.
The refuel level setting builds in a reserve. Refueling at 1/4 tank leaves room for closed stations and detours.
What are the uses of a Refueling Stop Estimator?
There are 4 main uses of the Refueling Stop Estimator, including arrival time planning, stop scheduling, and vehicle choice for long trips.
Plan arrival times
Add refuel stop time to the drive time.
Schedule stops
Pair fuel stops with meals and rest breaks.
Choose a trip vehicle
Pick the car with fewer stops for a long drive.
Plan EV-to-gas comparisons
Compare gas stop counts with charging stops.