Ethanol Calculator

How to Use the Ethanol Calculator

Step 1: Understand the Purpose

The Ethanol Calculator is designed to help you compare the cost-effectiveness of using regular gasoline versus ethanol (E85) for your vehicle. By inputting specific data about prices and fuel economy, the calculator will provide you with detailed insights into both options.

Step 2: Input Required Information

Start by providing the following information in the input fields:

• Regular Gas Price ($/gallon): Enter the current price per gallon for regular gasoline. This is a required field that accepts values between 0.01 and 10.0, in increments of 0.01.
• Ethanol (E85) Price ($/gallon): Specify the price per gallon for ethanol (E85). This field also requires values between 0.01 and 10.0, with a step of 0.01.
• Regular Gas MPG: Input the miles per gallon that your vehicle achieves with regular gasoline. The accepted range is 1 to 100 miles per gallon, with increments of 0.1.
• Ethanol (E85) MPG: Enter the miles per gallon with ethanol fuel. This should also be between 1 and 100, incrementing by 0.1.
• Distance to Travel (miles): Provide the total distance you plan to travel. Valid entries range from 1 to 10,000 miles, with a step of 1.

Step 3: Review the Results

After entering all the required information, the calculator will automatically compute and display the following results:

• Regular Gas Gallons Needed: This value shows the total gallons of regular gasoline required to cover the specified distance.
• Ethanol Gallons Needed: Indicates the gallons of ethanol needed to travel the same distance.
• Total Cost with Regular Gas: Displays the total cost of using regular gasoline, formatted in USD.
• Total Cost with Ethanol: Represents the total expense of using ethanol, also shown in USD.
• Cost Savings with Ethanol: Calculates the dollar difference between the cost of gasoline and ethanol, providing insight into potential savings.
• Cost per Mile (Regular Gas): Details the cost per mile when using regular gasoline, formatted as currency per mile.
• Cost per Mile (Ethanol): Shows the cost per mile with ethanol fuel, similarly formatted.
• Percentage Savings with Ethanol: Offers a percentage value to illustrate how much you save when opting for ethanol over gasoline.

Step 4: Analyze the Data

Use the calculated data to make informed decisions about fuel usage for your vehicle. Understanding both the financial implications and the fuel efficiency differences can help in choosing the most cost-effective option for your travel needs.