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How many gallons to fill up a car?

The amount of gasoline needed to fill up a car's fuel tank can vary widely depending on the size of the tank and the vehicle's fuel efficiency. On average, most passenger vehicles have a fuel tank capacity between 10 to 20 gallons.


Factors That Determine Fuel Tank Capacity


Several factors influence the fuel tank capacity of a vehicle:



  • Vehicle Size: Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks typically have larger fuel tanks, often ranging from 15 to 30 gallons. Smaller cars and sedans usually have smaller tanks, around 10 to 15 gallons.

  • Fuel Efficiency: More fuel-efficient vehicles can travel further on a single tank of gas, so they may have smaller fuel tanks compared to less efficient models.

  • Fuel Type: Diesel vehicles often have larger fuel tanks than their gasoline counterparts, as diesel fuel has a higher energy density.

  • Driving Conditions: Factors like terrain, weather, and driving style can impact a vehicle's fuel efficiency and the amount of gas needed to cover a given distance.


To determine the exact fuel tank capacity for a specific vehicle, it's best to consult the owner's manual or check the manufacturer's specifications.


Calculating the Amount of Fuel Needed


To calculate how many gallons of gas are needed to fill up a car's tank, you'll need to know the tank's capacity and the vehicle's current fuel level. Here's a step-by-step process:



  1. Locate the fuel tank capacity, which is typically listed in the owner's manual or on a sticker inside the fuel door.

  2. Check the fuel gauge to determine the current fuel level. If the tank is nearly empty, you'll need to fill it up completely.

  3. Subtract the current fuel level from the tank capacity to determine the number of gallons needed to fill the tank.


For example, if a car has a 15-gallon fuel tank and the gauge shows the tank is half full, you would need to add approximately 7.5 gallons to fill it up.

How far does 12 gallons of gas get you?


You can drive 360 miles on a full tank of gas, which holds 12 gallons and provides 30 miles per gallon. This is calculated by multiplying the gallons by miles per gallon.



How much gas will $20 get you?


Based on September's average hourly rate, it now takes about 40 minutes for the average worker to earn $20. Spending that on gas (at the current national average price) gets you a little over six gallons of gas. Buying the same amount of gas took 41 minutes of work in 2019 and 43 minutes in 2004.



How far can a car go on a full tank?


Most ICE vehicles can go somewhere between 400 and 600 highway miles on a full tank of gas. A lot less can go over 600 miles between fill-ups, and there aren't many that can make it 650-plus miles.



How many gallons does it take to fill up a car?


On average, smaller autos tend to hold about 12 gallons of gas, while larger cars hold as much as 15 gallons or more.



How long does 10 gallons of gas last in a car?


Consider each car's mpg: If a small city car with a 10-gallon gas tank gets about 40 mpg, it could probably make it 40 miles to the next gas station.



How much gas to put in a car?


To figure out how much fuel you'll need for a road trip, simply determine how many miles you'll be driving, what your vehicle's average miles per gallon (MPG) is and the current price of gas. From there, you can divide the number of miles you'll be driving by the MPG of your vehicle.



How far can a car go with 15 gallons of gas?


The car can travel 525 miles with 15 gallons, using 1/35 of gas per mile. To calculate how far the car can travel with 15 gallons, multiply the number of gallons by the miles per gallon: = 15 gallons * 35 miles/gallon = 525 miles.



How many miles is $10 of gas?


How much gas will $10 get me? As of Nov. 15, 2023, the national average cost for a gallon of gas is $3.49, which means that $10 will get you about 2.87 gallons of gas. The average car gets around 25 miles per gallon, so 2.87 gallons will last you about 70 miles.



Is 15 gallons a lot for a car?


It depends on the size of your car. Small cars can usually hold up to 12 gallons of gas, while larger cars can carry 15 gallons or more. How many gallons of gas can a truck hold? As with cars, it depends on the size of your truck, but in general trucks can hold anywhere from 21 gallons to 38 gallons.



How much gas does $50 get you?


If you spend $50, you'd be able to get nine gallons. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average car goes 24.2 miles per gallon. That means you'd be able to, on average, go 215 miles roundtrip. You can search your car's fuel economy here.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.