Car vs. Bike Commute Calculator
Compare what it costs in money, time, and CO2 emissions to drive versus bike to work.
How to use the calculator
- Enter your distance to work, how many days a week and weeks a year you commute.
- Adjust the car cost per kilometer (fuel, maintenance, depreciation) and average speed for both car and bike.
- See the annual savings, the extra time spent, and CO2 emissions saved by choosing the bike.
How are the numbers calculated?
Total annual distance is calculated from distance × 2 (round trip) × days per week × weeks per year. The cost is this distance multiplied by the car cost per kilometer you enter — include fuel, servicing, tires, and depreciation for a more realistic figure, not just fuel alone.
The CO2 savings use a rough average estimate of around 120 grams of CO2 per kilometer driven for a typical passenger car (a commonly cited EU average) — actual emissions vary a lot by car model, so treat the figure as a rough indicator, not a precise measurement for your specific car.
Frequently asked questions
Why isn't the car cost per km fixed?
Because it varies a lot by car model, fuel consumption, and driving pattern. A common estimate including fuel, maintenance, and depreciation is often between $0.30 and $0.60 per km — adjust the field to your own estimate.
Where does the CO2 figure come from?
It's a rough, commonly cited EU average for passenger cars (around 120 g CO2/km). Actual emissions depend on car model, fuel type, and driving conditions, so the figure is meant as an illustration, not a precise calculation.
Does the calculator account for weather and seasons?
No, it calculates a pure annual average. In practice many people bike less in winter — adjust "days per week" or "weeks per year" down to reflect your actual biking habits.