PetrolCalculator

Fuel calculator

Fuel Stops Calculator

Estimate how many refuelling stops a journey may need from usable tank range.

Use this calculator

Enter journey and vehicle assumptions to estimate stops.

What your result means

This estimates the number of refuelling stops after departure by dividing the journey distance by the calculated full-tank range and rounding up. It assumes you start with the usable tank fuel entered.

Worked example

Using a 700-mile journey, 50 usable litres and 45 UK MPG:

Estimated tank range
494.9 miles
Tanks required
2
Fuel stops after departure
1

A stop is not counted at the start of the journey.

Formula

max⁡(⌈Journey milesTank range⌉−1,0)\max(\lceil\frac{\text{Journey miles}}{\text{Tank range}}\rceil-1,0)

Journey distance and stops at 50 litres / 45 UK MPG

Journey milesEstimated stops
2000
4000
5001
7001
9001
1,0002
1,2002

A planning estimate, not route planning

This does not choose filling stations, account for opening hours or model detours. For a trip at the exact tank-range boundary, the formula returns zero stops because the destination is reached on the starting tank.

Assumptions and limitations

  • The journey starts with the usable tank fuel entered.
  • The model assumes constant UK MPG throughout.
  • Traffic, terrain, weather and diversions are excluded.

Helpful questions

Does the starting fill count as a stop?

No. The result counts stops after departure.

What happens at the exact range boundary?

No stop is needed in the model when the journey equals the estimated starting-tank range.

Does this plan a route?

No. It only estimates the number of refuelling stops.

Should I leave a reserve?

Usually, yes. Use fewer usable litres to model one.

Why can real stops differ?

Real MPG and the distance between suitable stations can differ from the assumptions.

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