Fuel is one of the largest variable costs of flying, and estimating it is simple once you know two numbers: your aircraft's fuel burn and the price of fuel. This guide shows how to calculate aircraft fuel costs per hour and per trip, with typical burn rates by class and worked examples so you can budget realistically.
Key takeaways
- The formula is simple: fuel burn (gph) × fuel price = cost per hour.
- Burn rates vary widely — from ~6 gph in a trainer to 150+ gph in a jet.
- Per-trip cost is cost-per-hour × flight time (plus reserves).
- Fuel is one line in the full cost of ownership — budget the rest too.
The Simple Formula
Fuel cost per hour = fuel burn (gallons per hour) × fuel price per gallon. For a trip, multiply cost-per-hour by the flight time. For example, an airplane burning 12 gph at $6.50/gallon costs about $78/hour in fuel; a two-hour flight burns roughly $156 in fuel. It's that straightforward — the only variables are your airplane's burn rate (from its pilot's operating handbook, at your typical cruise setting) and the local price of avgas or Jet-A.
Typical Fuel Burn by Aircraft Class
| Aircraft class | Typical cruise burn | Fuel |
|---|---|---|
| Two-seat trainer (e.g., 152) | ~6 gph | Avgas |
| Four-seat single (e.g., 172) | ~8–9 gph | Avgas |
| High-performance single (e.g., SR22, Bonanza) | ~15–17 gph | Avgas |
| Piston twin | ~28–34 gph | Avgas |
| Single turboprop (e.g., TBM, PC-12) | ~55–75 gph | Jet-A |
| Light jet | ~120–200 gph | Jet-A |
Diesel singles are the outlier — a Jet-A diesel like a DA40 NG burns only ~5–6 gph, well below a comparable avgas single.
Fuel in the Bigger Picture
Fuel is a big number, but it's one line in the total cost of ownership. Insurance, the annual inspection, unscheduled maintenance, engine reserves, and hangar or tie-down all add up, and financing brings the loan payment. When budgeting for an airplane, calculate fuel per your expected annual hours, then add the fixed and other variable costs. Our ownership cost guide walks through the full picture so the fuel estimate sits in context, and our loan calculator handles the payment side.
Rates, terms, and figures in this article are illustrative examples for the 2026 market and are not offers of credit. Jaken Aviation is a licensed aircraft financing brokerage — a division of Jaken Finance Group — and does not make loan decisions. All financing is subject to lender approval. Tax information is general and not a substitute for advice from a qualified CPA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate aircraft fuel cost per hour?
Multiply your aircraft's fuel burn (gallons per hour, from the POH at your cruise setting) by the local fuel price. For example, 12 gph at $6.50/gallon is about $78/hour.
How much fuel does a small airplane burn?
A two-seat trainer burns around 6 gph; a four-seat single like a 172 around 8–9 gph; a high-performance single 15–17 gph. Jet-A diesels are far more economical at ~5–6 gph.
How do I estimate fuel for a trip?
Multiply your cost-per-hour by the estimated flight time, and remember to account for fuel reserves and any climb/taxi fuel. Actual burn varies with power setting and altitude.
Is fuel the biggest cost of ownership?
It's a major variable cost, but insurance, maintenance, engine reserves, hangar, and the loan payment all add up. Budget the full picture, not just fuel.
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