Vehicles
How to Calculate Your Bike or Car Mileage (km per Litre)
The tank-to-tank method, mileage and cost-per-km formulas, typical costs for bikes and cars, and how to improve your mileage.
By Team Vind · Updated · 4 min read
The mileage printed in the brochure is measured in a lab. What your bike or car actually does in Indian traffic is usually 15–30% lower. The good news: you can measure your real mileage with just two fill-ups, and then work out exactly what each kilometre costs you.
The tank-to-tank method
- Fill the tank to full (until the nozzle clicks off) and reset the trip meter to zero.
- Drive normally, at least 100–200 km for a bike or a few hundred for a car.
- Fill to full again at the same pump if possible. Note the litres added and the trip reading.
Mileage (km per litre) = distance driven ÷ litres added
Example: 420 km and 28 litres to refill: 420 ÷ 28 = 15 km/L. Repeat over two or three tanks and average them for a reliable figure.
Cost per kilometre
Fuel cost per km = fuel price ÷ mileage
At ₹103 a litre and 15 km/L, each kilometre costs ₹6.87. Here's what 1,000 km a month costs for typical vehicles:
| Vehicle | Real mileage (typical) | Cost per km | 1,000 km a month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commuter bike (100–125 cc) | 55 km/L | ₹1.87 | ₹1,873 |
| Scooter (110–125 cc) | 45 km/L | ₹2.29 | ₹2,289 |
| Small hatchback (petrol) | 18 km/L | ₹5.72 | ₹5,722 |
| Compact SUV (petrol) | 14 km/L | ₹7.36 | ₹7,357 |
| Mid-size SUV (diesel) | 15 km/L | ₹6.87 | ₹6,867 |
Try it: Mileage Calculator
Your Mileage
Other mileage units
- L/100 km (used in Europe): 100 ÷ km/L. 15 km/L is 6.7 L/100 km. Lower is better.
- mpg (US): km/L × 2.352. UK mpg: km/L × 2.825.
Why your mileage is lower than claimed
- Stop-start city traffic and long idling at signals.
- Running the AC, which can cut a car's mileage by 10% or more in city driving.
- Under-inflated tyres, a heavy load or a roof carrier.
- Hard acceleration and braking, and high speeds on the highway.
- An overdue service, a dirty air filter or old engine oil.
Planning a trip? The fuel cost calculator works out the petrol bill for any distance.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate bike mileage?
Fill the tank, reset the trip meter, ride at least 100 km, refill to full, and divide the kilometres by the litres added.
What is a good mileage for a 125 cc bike?
Around 50–60 km/L in real riding for most 125 cc commuter bikes; scooters are usually 40–50 km/L.
Does AC reduce car mileage?
Yes, typically by 5–10% on the highway and more in city traffic.
How do I convert km/L to L/100 km?
Divide 100 by the km/L figure. 15 km/L is 6.67 L/100 km.
Sources
- Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA): fuel-saving tips
- Bureau of Energy Efficiency: fuel efficiency of passenger vehicles
Last reviewed: 10 October 2026