Carpool Cost Calculator
Calculate how much each person should pay when carpooling, based on distance, consumption, fuel price, tolls and number of people in the car.
How to use the carpool cost calculator
- Enter the total distance of the trip, the car's consumption and the fuel price.
- Add any tolls for the trip.
- Enter how many people are in the car, including the driver.
- See how much each person should pay.
How the cost is calculated
Cost per person = total cost ÷ number of people
The fuel cost is calculated from distance, consumption (liters per 100 km) and the price per liter. Any tolls for the trip are added before the total cost is split evenly among everyone in the car, including the driver — the most common way to split carpool costs.
What is a reasonable amount to charge?
The most common approach is to split the fuel cost, and it is also the easiest to agree on. But fuel is only part of what the trip actually costs the driver: tyres, servicing, depreciation and insurance all accrue with the kilometres without appearing on any receipt. If the split is to be real rather than symbolic, it should sit somewhat above pure fuel cost — an official mileage allowance rate for business travel is a workable reference point for what a vehicle costs to own and run per kilometre.
For regular arrangements, taking turns often works better than settling up in cash. If you each drive alternate weeks, wear and fuel even out by themselves and nobody has to keep accounts. Tolls and ferries should be handled separately in any case, since they vary with route and timing and have nothing to do with the vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
Should the driver also pay a share?
The most common approach is to split the cost equally among everyone in the car, including the driver — the car would have been used anyway, and everyone benefits from the trip. Some instead let the driver ride free as compensation for using their own car and wear and tear, but that's an agreement you make among yourselves.
Should we use a standard mileage rate instead of actual fuel price?
A standard mileage reimbursement rate also includes depreciation, insurance and maintenance, not just fuel — it fits better if you want a more complete cost split, while this calculator shows the pure fuel cost.
How do I find my car's consumption figure?
It's normally listed in the vehicle registration or owner's manual as "combined consumption." Real-world consumption can deviate somewhat from the stated figure, especially in city driving or at high speed.