Fuel & Water Trip Calculator
Work out the fuel for your trip, how far a tank takes you and how many jerry cans the longest stretch needs. Then the litres of water for your group, and what it all weighs.
How the fuel and water calculator works
- Fuel for the trip = distance × litres per 100 km ÷ 100. The cost uses the same figure.
- Range on a tank = tank size ÷ litres per 100 km × 100, shown with your reserve taken off.
- Extra to carry = the fuel for the longest stretch plus your reserve, minus a full tank, rounded up to whole 20 litre jerry cans.
- Water = people × days × 5 litres (3 for drinking, 2 for cooking and washing), or 7 litres when it is hot or you are active, plus 25% for remote trips. The figures come from our guide How much water do you need for camping.
Fuel use on the highway tells you little about a day in soft sand or low range. If you don’t have your own figures for the terrain, keep a bigger reserve and fill up whenever you can.
Common questions
How do I work out how much fuel a trip needs?
Multiply the distance in kilometres by your fuel use in litres per 100 km, then divide by 100. A 600 km trip at 12 L/100 km needs 72 litres. Add a reserve on top, because sand, low range, headwinds and a loaded roof all push fuel use up.
How much water do I need per person per day when camping?
Allow 5 litres per person per day: 3 litres for drinking and 2 litres for cooking and washing. In hot weather or on active days allow 7 litres. For remote trips add a 25% buffer on top.
How much does water weigh?
One litre of water weighs one kilogram, so a full 20 litre container adds 20 kg plus the container itself. Store it low in the vehicle and count it in your payload.
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