Commute Cost Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the commute cost calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Monthly Commute Cost
monthly_cost = (daily_fuel + daily_tolls) * work_days_monthAnnual Commute Cost
annual_cost = (daily_fuel + daily_tolls) * work_days_month * 12Cost Per Mile
cost_per_mile = (daily_fuel + daily_tolls) / daily_milesVariables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
miles_one_way | One-Way Distance(miles) | 22 |
fuel_price | Fuel Price Per Gallon(USD/gal) | 3.5 |
mpg | Vehicle MPG(MPG) | 28 |
work_days_month | Work Days Per Month | 22 |
daily_tolls | Daily Toll Cost(USD) | 0 |
daily_miles | Derived value= miles_one_way * 2 | calculated |
daily_fuel | Derived value= daily_miles / mpg * fuel_price | calculated |
How It Works
How to Calculate Commute Costs
A daily commute has fuel costs (distance / MPG x price) plus tolls. Multiply by workdays for monthly and annual totals.
Formula
Daily Fuel = (Round-Trip Miles / MPG) x Fuel Price
Monthly Cost = (Daily Fuel + Tolls) x Workdays
Worked Example
22-mile each way commute, 28 MPG, $3.50/gal, no tolls, 22 workdays.
miles_one_way = 22fuel_price = 3.5mpg = 28work_days_month = 22daily_tolls = 0
- 01Daily round trip = 22 x 2 = 44 miles
- 02Daily fuel = 44 / 28 x $3.50 = $5.50
- 03Monthly cost = $5.50 x 22 = $121.00
- 04Annual cost = $121.00 x 12 = $1,452.00
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Commute Cost Calculator