How do I fairly split car journey costs?

The fairest method is to include fuel cost plus a contribution towards vehicle wear and tear, tolls, and parking, then divide evenly by the number of people in the car including the driver. This calculator handles all of that for you.

What is a fair rate per mile for car sharing?

A typical all-in rate for car sharing is 15-25p per mile, covering fuel and wear. The HMRC approved mileage rate is 45p/mile for business use, but that includes depreciation and insurance so is higher than needed for simple cost sharing.

Should the driver pay a share?

Usually yes. The driver benefits from the journey too, so dividing by all occupants (including the driver) is the most common approach. However, some groups choose to exempt the driver as a thank you for driving.

What does vehicle wear and tear cover?

Vehicle wear includes tyre wear, brake wear, oil consumption, and general mechanical degradation from driving. A rate of 3-8p per mile is typical for a standard car. This is separate from fuel costs.

How is fuel cost calculated?

Fuel cost is calculated as: (distance / MPG) x 4.546 (to convert gallons to litres) x fuel price per litre. This gives the actual fuel consumption cost for the journey.

CarCalcs

Car Sharing Calculator — Split Journey Costs

Calculate the total cost of a shared car journey and split it fairly between passengers.

Journey Distance

Distance to calculate for

Fuel Price

Current price of fuel

Your MPG

Your fuel economy in miles per gallon

Number of Passengers

Including driver

Toll Costs

Amount in pounds sterling

Parking Costs

Amount in pounds sterling

How We Calculate This

How The Cost Is Calculated

Fuel cost: (Distance / MPG) x 4.546 x price per litre
Wear and tear: Distance x wear rate per mile
Total: Fuel + wear + tolls + parking
Per person: Total cost / number of passengers

Tips

The default wear rate of 5p per mile covers typical tyre, brake, and mechanical wear. Adjust this in Advanced Options if your vehicle has higher or lower running costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Actual figures may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle specifications, and other factors.