Fuel Economy Units
Convert between MPG, L/100km, km/L, and imperial/US gallons.
Automotive & Travel
Perfect for comparing vehicle efficiency and calculating trip fuel costs.
Inverse Relationship
Handles efficiency (MPG) vs consumption (L/100km) conversions accurately.
Understanding Fuel Consumption Conversion
Fuel consumption measures how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel. Different regions use different standards: MPG (miles per gallon) in the US and UK, L/100km (liters per 100 kilometers) in Europe and most other countries, and km/L in some Asian markets. These units measure opposite concepts: MPG shows efficiency (higher is better), while L/100km shows consumption (lower is better).
US and UK gallons differ: 1 US gallon = 3.785 liters, while 1 UK (imperial) gallon = 4.546 liters. This means a car rated at 30 MPG (US) equals about 36 MPG (UK). To convert MPG to L/100km, use the formula: 235.21 ÷ MPG (US) = L/100km. Understanding these conversions is essential for comparing vehicle specifications internationally and calculating fuel costs.
Common Usage Examples
- Vehicle Shopping: Comparing fuel economy between US and European cars
- Trip Planning: Calculating fuel costs for road trips
- Fleet Management: Tracking vehicle efficiency across regions
- Environmental Impact: Assessing carbon footprint from fuel use
- Budget Planning: Estimating monthly fuel expenses
- International Relocation: Understanding local fuel economy standards
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert MPG to L/100km?
Divide 235.21 by MPG (US). For example, 30 MPG → 235.21 ÷ 30 = 7.84 L/100km. Note: higher MPG means lower L/100km (inverse relationship).
What's the difference between US and UK MPG?
UK (imperial) gallons are 20% larger than US gallons. A car rated at 30 MPG (US) equals about 36 MPG (UK). Always check which gallon type is used!
Which is better: higher MPG or lower L/100km?
Both indicate better fuel efficiency! Higher MPG means more miles per gallon (good), while lower L/100km means less fuel per distance (also good). They're inversely related.
Why does Europe use L/100km instead of MPG?
L/100km directly shows fuel consumption for a standard distance, making it easier to calculate fuel costs. It's also metric-based, aligning with European measurement standards.