Fuel Converter - MPG, L/100km, KM/L

Understanding Fuel Economy Conversion

Fuel economy is measured differently around the world. The US uses miles per gallon (MPG), while most other countries use liters per 100 kilometers (L/100km). Understanding these conversions is essential when comparing vehicles internationally, renting cars abroad, or simply understanding fuel efficiency claims.

Here's the tricky part: lower L/100km means better fuel economy (less fuel consumed), while higher MPG means better fuel economy. This inverse relationship confuses many people.

Why Fuel Economy Conversion Matters

International Car Shopping: Comparing efficiency of US vs. foreign vehicles.
Road Trips Abroad: Understanding rental car fuel economy.
Emissions Calculations: Lower fuel consumption means lower CO2 emissions.
Cost Estimation: Budgeting for fuel on international trips.

How the Conversion Works

MPG to L/100km: 235.215 ÷ MPG = L/100km L/100km to MPG: 235.215 ÷ L/100km = MPG Example: 30 MPG 235.215 ÷ 30 = 7.84 L/100km Example: 8 L/100km 235.215 ÷ 8 = 29.4 MPG

Quick Reference Chart

20 MPG = 11.76 L/100km 25 MPG = 9.41 L/100km 30 MPG = 7.84 L/100km 35 MPG = 6.72 L/100km 40 MPG = 5.88 L/100km 50 MPG = 4.70 L/100km Reverse: 10 L/100km = 23.52 MPG 8 L/100km = 29.40 MPG 6 L/100km = 39.20 MPG 5 L/100km = 47.04 MPG

Fuel Economy Benchmarks

Poor: Under 20 MPG (over 11.8 L/100km)

Average: 25-30 MPG (7.8-9.4 L/100km)

Good: 35-45 MPG (5.2-6.7 L/100km)

Excellent: 50+ MPG (under 4.7 L/100km)

Electric/Hybrid: Equivalent to 100+ MPG

Personal Example

I was comparing cars in Europe vs the US and couldn't understand why European cars list fuel economy in L/100km. When I converted my US car's 30 MPG, it turned out to be about 7.8 L/100km—much easier to compare now!