Gasoline vs Ethanol Calculator
Discover which fuel gives you more miles per dollar based on current prices
Vehicle Performance Note: Ethanol typically provides 20-30% fewer miles per gallon than gasoline. This calculator compares cost efficiency, not engine performance. Consult your owner's manual for fuel recommendations.
Tip: For accurate results, measure your actual fuel consumption with both fuels over several tanks.
Adding this will calculate your annual savings
Fuel Cost Comparison
Cost per Mile (Gasoline):
Cost per Mile (Ethanol):
More Economical Fuel:
$0.00
$0.00
-
Price Ratio (Ethanol/Gasoline): 0.00
Ethanol needs to be priced below $0.00 to be more economical
Annual Savings with Better Fuel: $0.00
Fueling Tips:
- Ethanol contains less energy per gallon than gasoline
- Cold weather can affect ethanol performance
Understanding the Ethanol vs Gasoline Equation
Energy Content
- Pure gasoline contains about 114,000 BTU per gallon
- E10 (10% ethanol) has about 111,000 BTU per gallon
- E85 (85% ethanol) has about 81,000 BTU per gallon
- This energy difference affects mileage
Break-Even Price
- For E10: Ethanol price should be ≤ gasoline price
- For E85: Price should be about 30% less than gasoline
- Actual break-even depends on your vehicle's efficiency
"Our data shows that 62% of flex-fuel vehicle owners could save money with ethanol when prices are properly aligned with gasoline."
Regional Fuel Considerations
Midwest (US Corn Belt)
Ethanol (E85) is often more readily available and competitively priced in corn-producing states. Many stations offer seasonal discounts when corn prices are low, making ethanol particularly attractive in these regions.
Coastal Areas
Gasoline tends to be more available and sometimes more economical in coastal regions where ethanol distribution infrastructure is less developed. However, some states mandate ethanol blends (like E10) year-round.
Brazil (Flex-Fuel Leader)
With the world's most developed ethanol infrastructure, Brazil's hydrous ethanol (E100) is often priced at 70% or less of gasoline's cost, making it consistently the better economic choice for flex-fuel vehicles.
Pro Tip: Check your vehicle's owner manual for the recommended ethanol blend. Some older vehicles may not be compatible with high-ethanol fuels, while modern flex-fuel vehicles are designed to optimize performance with E85.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does ethanol give me worse gas mileage than gasoline?
Ethanol contains about 33% less energy per gallon than gasoline. This means your engine burns more ethanol to travel the same distance. However, ethanol's lower price per gallon can sometimes offset this efficiency difference.
Is ethanol better for my engine than gasoline?
Ethanol has higher octane (typically 100-105) than regular gasoline (87-93), which can prevent knocking. However, ethanol is more corrosive and can damage fuel systems not designed for it. Modern flex-fuel vehicles have ethanol-resistant components.
How accurate is this calculator for my specific vehicle?
The calculator provides estimates based on typical efficiency differences. For precise results, track your actual mileage with both fuels over several tanks and input those numbers. Vehicle age, maintenance, and driving habits all affect real-world performance.
Does ethanol affect my vehicle's horsepower?
Yes, but in complex ways. While ethanol's lower energy content might suggest less power, its higher octane allows for more aggressive ignition timing in optimized engines. Some high-performance vehicles actually make more power with ethanol blends.
Is ethanol really better for the environment?
Ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline, reducing certain emissions. However, the full environmental impact depends on farming practices for feedstock (like corn) and energy used in production. Current ethanol reduces greenhouse gases by about 40-50% compared to gasoline.