Fuel cost per mile
At 140p a litre (an example price; use what you actually pay):
| Vehicle | Per mile | Per 100 miles |
|---|---|---|
| 30 MPG petrol or diesel | 21.2p | £21.22 |
| 40 MPG petrol or diesel | 15.9p | £15.91 |
| 50 MPG petrol or diesel | 12.7p | £12.73 |
| 60 MPG petrol or diesel | 10.6p | £10.61 |
| Electric, 3.5 miles per kWh at 28p | 8.0p | £8.00 |
There are 4.54609 litres in a UK gallon. The calculator uses the same formula and rounds to the penny.
Fuel and your tax
Fuel is a real cost, but how it counts for tax depends on the method you use for the vehicle:
- Mileage rate: you claim a flat rate per business mile, which replaces fuel, insurance, repairs and the cost of the vehicle. You still pay for the fuel, so it comes off your take-home, but not again off your tax bill.
- Actual costs: you claim the business share of the fuel you buy, plus your other running costs.
You can't do both for the same vehicle. Mileage allowance vs actual costs shows which tends to win, and the calculator above compares them for your figures. GOV.UK's rules: simplified expenses for vehicles and travel expenses.
Why fuel matters for your hourly rate
Fuel usually takes the biggest bite out of delivery pay after tax, and it grows with every unpaid mile between orders. The real hourly rate calculator shows how much an hour you keep once fuel, insurance and tax are taken off.
Common questions
Can I claim fuel on my tax return as a delivery driver?
Yes, but only if you claim actual vehicle costs, and only the business share. If you use HMRC's mileage rate instead, fuel is already covered by the rate and can't be claimed on top.
How do I work out my real MPG?
Fill the tank, reset the trip counter, drive as normal, then fill up again. Divide the miles driven by the litres you put in, and multiply by 4.54609 to get miles per gallon. Repeat over a few tanks for a steadier figure.
What does charging an electric car cost per mile?
Divide the price per kWh by how many miles you get per kWh. At 28p a kWh and 3.5 miles per kWh, that's 8p a mile. Public rapid chargers usually cost more per kWh than home charging.
Is the mileage rate the same as my fuel cost?
No. The mileage rate (55p a mile for the first 10,000 business miles in 2026/27) is meant to cover all the costs of buying and running the vehicle, not just fuel. That's why it's usually higher than your fuel cost per mile.
Last checked 31 October 2026. Fuel prices change; enter your own.