How to Calculate Gas Mileage

You probably already know that most new cars are ranked by the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, for short. What does this agency rank? Fuel economy, otherwise known as gas mileage, of course! But even though so much goes into ensuring the accuracy of gas mileage rankings, vehicles are generally tested in labs, not always in real-time conditions. Accordingly, the gas mileage you experience can vary. 

It also goes without saying but probably should be mentioned that driving style has a huge impact on gas mileage. So if you’ve been wondering if the gas mileage you’re getting lives up to standards set by the EPA, then this piece is for you. Let’s dive into how to calculate gas mileage right now! Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions as you read, though!

What is Considered Good Gas Mileage?

“Good” gas mileage is defined by you. In other words, what you think of as being good may vary greatly from what someone else thinks of as good. If you’re looking for a hybrid compact car, you probably want 40+ miles per gallon. But if you’re shopping for a hybrid SUV, you might be content with lower MPG specs. If you’re on-the-hunt for a truck meanwhile, you’ll gladly pay in lower gas mileage for higher towing and hauling. It’s all a matter of priorities.

That said, we here at the Ryan Family Dealerships carry a wide range of brands and new vehicle types for people near Minot, Williston, and Bismarck searching for just about every type of vehicle!

Gas Mileage Calculator

Looking to learn the gas mileage you’re experiencing in real-time? Use our gas mileage calculator formula below for help. Here’s what to do:

• Fill your gas tank up.
• Reset your trip odometer or record the exact mileage after refilling. 
• Figure out how much gas your tank holds by checking your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
• Drive your car as you would normally. If your driving habits are different than normal, you won’t get as accurate of a reading.
• Refill your gas tank and then record the mileage on your odometer. (If you wait longer to refill, your calculation will be more accurate as it will be based on a more balanced mix of driving conditions).
• Divide the number of miles traveled by the number of gallons of gas your vehicle took to refill. 
• If you forget to check how many gallons you filled up your car at the pump on your gas receipt, you can go by where your tank was when you refilled (i.e. ¼, ½, or ¾) and then divide out your total tank capacity accordingly to the number of gallons refilled. Then, divide the miles you drove by that approximation. 

Learn How to Maximize Your Gas Mileage with the Ryan Family Dealerships

We’re happy to provide you plenty of service tips for keeping your vehicle running smoothly! We can even help you learn to drive more efficiently to save more on gas expenses. Call 701-577-1111 today to learn more!