When the low fuel light comes on, you have approx 1.7 gallons (US) left, or you've used 9.1 gallons.
The following method is actually quite accurate because 10/1.1 = ~9.1

Note the mileage, divide by 10 and divide by 10 again and add.

The calculator way: 336.4 / 9.1 -> 36.97 mpg

The headmath way: 33.6 + 3.4 -> 37.0 mpg

 

This is how I calculate mileage. I fill up the tank, then reset the trip meter. At the next fillup, I divide the gas pumped by the mileage driven.

Why estimate when you can be exact?

 

ditto. I do this as well.

 

Or you can get one of those handy little gadgets where you line up the gallons and the miles driven since the last fill-up, and presto, you get your mileage. I got mine at a gas station ages ago.

 

Because you can know within 1% as soon as the light comes on? Maybe not everyone has a calculator handy?

 

Anyone who has a cell phone should have a calculator handy...

But I see your point.

 

Not to mention that division should not require a calulator. It is simple arithmetic. I think people should excercise their mind while at the pump.
Then calculate cost per mile. That is a hard one I might start my own thread.

 

If you estimate then it should be noted. Otherwise say what it is...

 

An easier but less accurate way to estimate mileage is to look at the sticker on the window at the car lot. I did this and I estimate that the sport auto Fit I have paid a deposit on will get 31mpg in city driving and 37 mpg on the highway. Different amounts of city/highway driving will vary. I like to use a calculator and be more accurate. It gives me something to talk about. After I buy a car the mileage per gallon is important but I am committed to the car then and I live with whatever it gets. I can't even adjust my driving habits enough to help. Sorry for the attempt at sarcasm but I couldn't help that either.

 

You don't need a caluclator. al you need is a pen. just write the miles on the receipt and calculate at home.

i think almost everyone will do the fill-up method. thats as accurate as long as the car stops "topping off" consistently.

 

We are all susceptable to the "top off" error. Even the technique discussed in this thread has limitations there too.

 

Stopping after the first time the pump shuts off and then dividing mileage driven into the amount pumped will be a lot more accurate than relying on a light that doesn't come on at a set point, and that will go off after its already come on, only to come back on again 20 miles down the road.

 

i am waiting to see how many miles i get with mine...we all drive different...i filled my tank Saturday so until i am empty than i can caculate

 

damn, i got ticked off by the result.. i pumped up 10 liters (2.6 us gal.). the odometer showed only 76 km (47 miles) and the empty fuel indicator already lit. i tested it twice, and the result is almost the same... i use the car purely on city with moderate traffic.

 

Low fuel lights at 290 miles and I tank at 323 on avg. Generally it needs 8.5-9.1 gallons to fill. After more than 1k miles my mpg numbers are getting more accurate. But I'll never get 40+mpg, which would be sacrilegious to drive a Fit that frugally!