What fuel flow rate should I enter?

Use the fuel flow rate from your aircraft's Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) for your planned power setting and altitude. Typical values range from 5–10 GPH for a Cessna 172 at cruise to 15–25 GPH for a Beechcraft Bonanza. Many pilots use a slightly higher rate than the book value to account for taxi, run-up, and climb fuel.

How much fuel reserve should I plan?

FAA regulations require VFR day flights to carry fuel for the intended flight plus 30 minutes at cruise; VFR night flights require 45 minutes. IFR flights must carry fuel to the destination, alternate, and 45 minutes beyond. Many pilots and operators use a personal minimum of 45 minutes day VFR or 1 hour IFR for added safety margin.

Does this calculator account for wind?

No — enter your groundspeed (not TAS) in the airspeed field if you want wind to affect flight time and fuel burn. Alternatively, calculate your groundspeed with a flight computer or E6B and use that value here. For headwind legs, groundspeed will be lower than TAS, increasing fuel burn; tailwind legs will be shorter and cheaper.

What is the difference between trip fuel and total fuel?

Trip fuel is the fuel burned from takeoff to landing at your destination, based on flight time at the given flow rate. Total fuel includes the trip fuel plus your planned reserve. Always ensure your aircraft's usable fuel capacity meets or exceeds the total fuel figure before departure.

Can I use this for turbine or jet aircraft?

Yes — enter the fuel flow in pounds per hour (PPH) instead of gallons per hour, and adjust the fuel price to your cost per pound of Jet-A. The time and burn calculations are unit-agnostic; just be consistent with the units you choose throughout.

Why does fuel burn differ from the POH range chart?

POH range charts typically assume ISA conditions, a specific power setting, and no wind. Real-world fuel burn varies with density altitude, engine wear, carburetor heat usage, and actual wind. Carry a reasonable buffer above the book figures, especially for long flights or unfamiliar aircraft.

Fuel Burn Calculator

Name: Fuel Burn Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter distance, airspeed, and fuel flow rate to calculate aircraft fuel burn, flight time, and total fuel cost.

Flight Parameters

Units:

Distance (nautical miles)

True Airspeed / Groundspeed (knots)

Fuel Flow Rate (gal / hr)

Fuel Reserve (minutes, optional)

Fuel Price (per gallon, USD)

Fill in the flight parameters on the left and press Calculate.

Summary

Enter distance, airspeed, and fuel flow rate to calculate aircraft fuel burn, flight time, and total fuel cost.

How it works

Enter the total distance for your flight in nautical miles or statute miles.
Enter your aircraft's true airspeed (TAS) and fuel flow rate from your Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH).
Optionally enter a fuel reserve requirement in minutes (45 min is common for VFR day flight).
Enter the current fuel price per gallon (or per liter if you select metric units).
The calculator computes flight time, trip fuel, reserve fuel, total fuel required, and estimated cost.
Compare results against your aircraft's usable fuel capacity to confirm you have adequate range.

Use cases

Estimate fuel cost before booking a cross-country VFR flight.
Verify fuel load is sufficient for the route plus required reserves.
Compare fuel burn across different cruising speeds for the same route.
Plan fuel stops for long cross-country flights in light piston aircraft.
Quickly calculate flight time from distance and airspeed during preflight planning.
Budget fuel costs for flight training hours or rental aircraft.
Cross-check fuel burn against the POH range chart for a given power setting.
Teach student pilots the relationship between airspeed, distance, and fuel consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Ground Speed Calculator True Airspeed Calculator Density Altitude Calculator Weight And Balance Calculator

Last updated: 2026-05-29 · Reviewed by Nham Vu