The mileage printed in a brochure is measured in test conditions. Your real mileage depends on traffic, driving style, load and tyre pressure. This calculator uses the full-tank method to find the mileage you actually get, and the fuel cost for every kilometre.
How to measure your mileage (full-tank method)
- Fill the tank full and note the odometer reading.
- Drive normally until you need fuel again.
- Fill the tank full again and note the litres filled and the new odometer reading.
- Enter both odometer readings, the litres filled the second time and the fuel price.
The litres filled the second time equal the fuel used for that distance.
Formula
Distance = odometer at refill − odometer at start
Mileage = distance ÷ litres filled
Cost per km = fuel price per litre ÷ mileageExample
Your odometer read 12,000 km at a full tank. At the next full refill it read 12,450 km and took 30 litres of petrol at ₹105 a litre.
- Distance: 450 km
- Mileage: 450 ÷ 30 = 15 km per litre
- Fuel cost: ₹7 per km, or ₹3,150 for the 450 km
Tips for better mileage
- Keep tyres at the recommended pressure.
- Drive smoothly: sudden acceleration and braking waste fuel.
- Avoid long idling, and service the vehicle on time.
- Measure over a few refills and take the average for a reliable figure.
FAQ
How do I calculate bike mileage?
Use the same full-tank method: distance driven between two full refills divided by the litres filled the second time.
Why is my mileage lower than the company figure?
Company figures come from standard lab tests. City traffic, AC use, heavy loads and low tyre pressure all reduce real-world mileage.
How do I plan the fuel cost of a trip?
Use the fuel cost calculator with your real mileage from this page.