Errand Fuel Cost Splitter

How to calculate weighted fuel splits?

Weighted scoring divides the total cost by the ratio of individual importance versus the sum of all stop weights. This ensures that longer detours or higher priority stops contribute a proportional share to the overall expense.

Stop Cost = (Total Fuel Cost) * (Individual Weight / Sum of All Weights)

Using the Errand Splitter: an example

A 60-mile trip at 20 MPG with gas at $4.00/gal results in a $12.00 total cost.

Step-by-step calculation:

1. Calculate total fuel (60 miles / 20 MPG = 3 gallons)
2. Calculate total cost (3 gallons * $4.00 = $12.00)
3. Sum weights (e.g., Stop A: 3, Stop B: 1; Total = 4)
4. Divide costs (Stop A pays $9.00, Stop B pays $3.00)

Frequently Asked Questions

What primary factors affect fuel efficiency?
Driving speed, aggressive acceleration, and vehicle maintenance (like tire pressure) are the biggest factors. Driving 75 mph instead of 65 mph can reduce efficiency by up to 15%.

Does carrying heavy cargo impact the fuel split?
Yes. Heavier loads increase the energy required to move the vehicle. For every extra 100 pounds, fuel economy typically drops by about 1%.

How are rounding differences handled in shares?
Individual shares are rounded to the nearest cent. If the sum of all shares is off by a penny due to rounding, it is standard practice for the driver to absorb or adjust the final share by that difference.