Race Fuel Calculator
Enter the race distance and your fuel burn per lap to get the total fuel with a safety margin. Add a tank size to see laps per stint and pit stops.
How to calculate race fuel
- Enter the number of laps and fuel used per lap in litres.
- Set a safety margin percent for the extra fuel buffer.
- Add the tank capacity to see laps per stint and pit stops.
Examples
50 laps at 2.5 L per lap, 5% margin
50 laps, 2.5 L/lap, 5%
131.25 L total fuel
With an 80 litre tank
80 L tank
32 laps per stint, 1 pit stop
Frequently asked questions
How is total race fuel calculated?
Base fuel equals laps times fuel per lap. Total fuel multiplies that by one plus the safety margin percent over 100, so a 5 percent margin on 125 litres gives 131.25 litres.
How are laps per stint worked out?
Laps per stint is the tank capacity divided by fuel per lap, rounded down to a whole lap, since you cannot start a lap you cannot finish on the fuel left.
Why is the pit stop count one less than the stints?
Each stint after the first needs a stop to refuel. Two stints mean one stop, three stints mean two stops, and a single stint means no stops at all.
What safety margin should I use?
Five percent is a common buffer for safety cars, traffic and an out lap. Raise it for wet or chaotic races and lower it only when fuel is tight and the pace is known.
Does this assume a fixed fuel burn?
Yes. It uses one fuel per lap figure, so it does not model a heavy car burning more early on. Use a slightly higher per lap figure to stay safe.
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