Fuel Cost Calculator
Know your fuel bill before you book.
Fuel is the biggest variable cost on almost every load. Enter your trip miles (loaded plus deadhead), your truck's average MPG, and the diesel price you expect to pay to see exactly what the trip will cost at the pump.
Total fuel cost
$592.31
Gallons needed
153.8
Fuel cost per mile
$0.592
How to Use It
- Add loaded miles and deadhead miles together — you burn fuel on both.
- Use your real average MPG from fuel receipts, not the spec sheet. Most loaded semis run 5.5–7.5 MPG.
- Enter the average diesel price along your route.
- Compare the fuel cost per mile against the load's rate per mile before you accept.
The Formula
Gallons = Miles ÷ MPG | Fuel cost = Gallons × Diesel price | Fuel CPM = Fuel cost ÷ Miles
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate fuel cost for a semi truck trip?
Divide total trip miles by your truck's MPG to get gallons, then multiply gallons by the diesel price. A 1,000-mile trip at 6.5 MPG and $3.85/gal uses about 154 gallons and costs about $592.
What is a good fuel cost per mile for a semi?
At typical diesel prices and 6–7 MPG, fuel usually runs between $0.55 and $0.70 per mile. Heavier loads, idling, hills, and speed push it higher.
Should I include deadhead miles?
Yes. Empty miles still burn fuel, so leaving them out understates the true cost of the load.
Let Our Desk Run the Numbers for You
Eagleview Dispatch weighs rate per mile, deadhead, fuel, and reloads on every load — 24/7, for dry van, reefer, and flatbed carriers. No forced dispatch.
All free tools
Results are estimates for planning only and are not tax, legal, or financial advice.