Enter the journey distance, your car's fuel economy and the fuel price, then set how many people are sharing. The calculator divides the total fuel cost equally between everyone, driver included.
How to split fuel costs fairly
The simplest approach is an equal split of the fuel bill. But fuel isn't the only cost of providing a car, so many groups adjust it:
- Equal split including the driver. Total fuel cost ÷ number of people. Best when everyone benefits equally from the trip.
- Passengers pay a little extra. Some groups round the passenger share up slightly to recognise insurance, servicing and wear on the car.
- HMRC's 45p a mile as a ceiling. If you carry colleagues on a business trip, HMRC lets drivers claim an extra 5p per passenger per mile tax-free — see the mileage allowance calculator.
Worked example
Four friends drive 120 miles each way to a festival in a car averaging 40 MPG, with petrol at £1.45 a litre:
- Round trip: 240 miles
- Fuel used: 240 ÷ 40 × 4.546 = about 27.3 litres
- Total fuel cost: about £39.55
- Split four ways: about £9.89 each
Planning the whole trip?
For tolls, stops and a fuller picture of a longer journey, start with the trip fuel cost calculator or the journey fuel cost calculator, then come back here to divide the total.