What does a full tank of gas cost?
A full tank of gas typically costs roughly the tank’s capacity in gallons multiplied by the current price per gallon. For a typical car, that usually falls in the $40–$75 range at common U.S. prices today, but exact figures depend on your vehicle and where you refuel.
To estimate the cost accurately, you need three pieces of information: your vehicle’s fuel-tank capacity, the current price per gallon at your local station, and how full you intend to fill the tank. Gas prices vary by state and station, and different vehicles require different fuel types, all of which affect the final price. This article breaks down the factors and provides practical methods to calculate the cost.
What factors determine the cost
Understanding the drivers behind a full-tank price helps you estimate more reliably. The main elements are:
- Tank capacity (gallons): Most passenger cars have 11–16 gallons, while many SUVs and trucks hold 20–30 gallons.
- Current price per gallon: National, state, and local prices vary daily and by station.
- Fuel type and octane: Regular unleaded is common for most cars; premium or diesel can raise the cost.
- Taxes and station markups: Regional taxes and convenience-store markup can affect the price you pay at the pump.
- Fill level: Some drivers fill to 100%, others to less than full; the price scales with the amount you actually put in.
In practical terms, the cost you see at the pump is a product of the tank size and the price per gallon, with minor adjustments for fuel type and local taxes. Check current local prices from sources like AAA, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), or GasBuddy to refine your estimate.
How to estimate the cost for your car
Before you fill, you can quickly estimate the cost using publicly available data and your vehicle’s specifications.
- Find your vehicle’s fuel-tank capacity in gallons from the owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s specifications. Most cars fall in the 11–16 gallon range; larger SUVs and pickup trucks can exceed 20 gallons.
- Check the current price per gallon for regular gasoline in your area from AAA Gas Prices, EIA, or a trusted local source.
- Multiply the capacity by the price per gallon to estimate the full-tank cost: Cost ≈ Tank capacity (gal) × Price per gallon (USD).
- Decide how full you plan to fill (for example, 95% instead of 100% to account for minor leftover fuel). If filling to 95%, multiply by 0.95.
- Account for tax and any discounts or loyalty programs that might apply at your station, which can slightly alter the final amount.
This method gives a solid estimate for planning budgets or comparing fueling options across stations.
Tips for saving on fuel costs
Even with a fixed tank size, there are practical ways to reduce the expense of refueling over time. Consider these approaches:
- Keep tires properly inflated to improve fuel efficiency.
- Drive smoothly: gradual acceleration and steady speeds save gas.
- Keep up with regular vehicle maintenance to maintain optimal fuel economy.
- Use apps or loyalty programs to find lower-priced stations nearby.
By combining a realistic fill plan with smarter driving habits, you can reduce the total amount spent on gas over the life of your vehicle.
Examples to illustrate the concept
These illustrative scenarios show how the cost changes with tank size and price per gallon. Use them as quick references, not exact quotes for your location.
- Price per gallon: $3.60; Tank size: 12 gallons → 12 × 3.60 = $43.20
- Price per gallon: $4.20; Tank size: 15 gallons → 15 × 4.20 = $63.00
- Price per gallon: $3.90; Tank size: 20 gallons → 20 × 3.90 = $78.00
These examples show how a larger tank or a higher price per gallon clearly increases the amount needed to fill the tank. Real-world totals will vary with your local price and exact tank capacity.
Regional variation and caveats
Gas prices differ widely by region, state taxes, and station competition. Urban areas and coastal states often have higher averages than rural areas. Prices can swing day-to-day based on crude-oil markets, refinery outages, and seasonal considerations. When planning travel or budgeting, it’s wise to check current local prices and adjust your estimate accordingly. Sources such as AAA, EIA, and GasBuddy provide regularly updated price data.
Summary
A full tank costs roughly the car’s tank capacity in gallons multiplied by the current price per gallon, with typical passenger cars costing about $40–$75 to fill under common pricing conditions. To estimate for your vehicle, determine your tank size, look up the local price per gallon, and multiply. Keep in mind fuel type, regional taxes, and how full you intend to fill. For the most accurate figure, consult up-to-date price data from trusted sources and apply the calculation to your specific vehicle.
How much gas is in a full tank?
A full gas tank typically holds 12 to 16 gallons for a standard passenger car, but this varies by vehicle type, with SUVs holding 16 to 21 gallons and full-size trucks potentially holding over 30 gallons. The exact amount depends on your vehicle's make and model, so it's best to check your owner's manual or the label inside the fuel door for the most accurate information.
- Passenger cars: Usually between 12 and 16 gallons.
- SUVs: Often have larger tanks, typically between 16 and 21 gallons.
- Full-size trucks: Can hold more than 30 gallons, depending on the model.
- To find your specific tank size: Check your owner's manual or look for a sticker inside the fuel filler door for your vehicle's exact capacity.
How far will $50 of gas 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.
How much does $20 fill up a tank?
How much gas will $10 or $20 get me? Based on average gas prices and fuel efficiency, $10 will get you about 3 gallons of gas and last you around 80 miles; $20 will get you a little over 6 gallons and last almost 160 miles.
What is the average cost of a full tank of gas?
And $56. For a sedan with the average gas tank size of 12 gall. It will cost a approximately $42 to fill up with the current gas prices. A crossover SUV has a slightly larger tank of around 16 gall.
