Why use miles per litre instead of MPG?

Miles per litre is arguably more practical in the UK because we buy fuel in litres but measure distance in miles. It directly tells you how far each litre takes you. To find your cost per mile, simply divide the fuel price per litre by your miles per litre.

What is a good miles per litre figure?

A modern petrol car should achieve 8-11 miles per litre (36-50 mpg). Diesel cars typically achieve 11-14 miles per litre (50-64 mpg). Small efficient cars can exceed 14 miles per litre.

How do I convert miles per litre to MPG?

Multiply miles per litre by 4.54609 to get UK MPG. For example, 10 miles per litre = 45.5 UK MPG. For US MPG, multiply by 3.78541.

What is miles per litre used for?

Miles per litre is a simple metric that avoids the confusion between UK and US gallons. Since fuel is sold in litres in the UK, miles per litre gives a direct relationship between what you pay at the pump and how far you go. Multiply by the price per litre to get your cost per mile.

How does miles per litre compare to MPG?

To convert miles per litre to UK MPG, multiply by 4.54609 (the number of litres in a UK gallon). For example, 8 miles per litre = 36.4 UK MPG. Typical values are 6-10 miles per litre for modern cars.

CarCalcs

Miles Per Litre Calculator

Calculate your fuel economy in miles per litre, a simple and practical measurement.

Distance Driven

Fuel Used

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Enter to see cost per mile

How We Calculate This

Miles per litre is simply the distance driven divided by the fuel used. It is converted to other formats using standard conversion factors.

The Formulas

Miles per litre = Miles driven / Litres used
UK MPG = Miles per litre x 4.54609
Cost per mile = Fuel price per litre / Miles per litre

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Actual figures may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle specifications, and other factors.