Fuel Economy Converter
Convert between different units of fuel economy and efficiency.
Understanding Fuel Economy Units
Fuel economy can be expressed in two ways: distance per volume (like MPG or km/L) or volume per distance (like L/100km). These are inversely related, so conversions require special handling.
Common Units
- MPG (US): Miles per gallon (US gallon = 3.785 liters)
- MPG (UK): Miles per gallon (UK gallon = 4.546 liters, ~20% larger)
- L/100km: Liters per 100 kilometers (used in most countries)
- km/L: Kilometers per liter (used in some Asian countries)
Reference Fuel Economies
- Compact car: ~35 MPG (US) / 6.7 L/100km
- Midsize car: ~30 MPG (US) / 7.8 L/100km
- SUV: ~25 MPG (US) / 9.4 L/100km
- Hybrid: ~50 MPG (US) / 4.7 L/100km
- Electric (equivalent): ~100+ MPGe
Conversion Notes
US vs UK Gallons: The US gallon (3.785L) is smaller than the UK gallon (4.546L). A car rated at 30 MPG (US) would be rated at approximately 36 MPG (UK).
Inverse Relationship: L/100km is inversely proportional to MPG. Lower L/100km means better fuel economy (using less fuel), while higher MPG also means better economy (traveling farther on the same fuel).
Quick Estimation: To roughly convert MPG (US) to L/100km, divide 235 by the MPG value. For example, 30 MPG ≈ 235/30 ≈ 7.8 L/100km.
Regional Differences
- United States: Uses MPG (US gallons)
- United Kingdom: Uses MPG (UK gallons)
- Europe, Australia: Uses L/100km
- Japan, parts of Asia: Uses km/L
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