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How Do I Use Fuel Calculator in Iracing

Learn how do i use fuel calculator in iRacing and get accurate fuel loads fast. Practical steps for iRacing drivers to fix estimates, add safety buffer, and avoid running out.

If you’re wondering how do i use fuel calculator in iracing, the short answer is: run a few consistent laps, read the fuel-per-lap number in the garage or pit/strategy window, then multiply by the race laps and add a safety buffer. You’re in the right place — below are simple, exact steps to get it right quickly.

Quick Answer — how do i use fuel calculator in iracing

iRacing’s fuel calculator uses your recent laps to estimate fuel per lap. Do a short, representative run, open the garage or pit strategy panel to see fuel-per-lap and estimated required fuel, then enter that number into the fuel load field and add 1–3 laps worth as a buffer.

What’s really going on

iRacing tracks fuel consumption from the laps you drive in the session and shows a fuel-per-lap average. That number is what the simulator uses to estimate how much fuel you’ll need for a given number of race laps. If your driving style, engine map, or traffic changes, the per-lap number will change too — so the calculator is only as accurate as the laps you used to generate it.

Step-by-step fix

Warm up and drive 4–8 clean, representative laps at race pace. Avoid the first lap after pit exit — it’s often abnormal.
Open the garage or the pit/strategy display (inside the garage or pit lane) and look for “fuel per lap” or “fuel usage” readout. Note the value.
Multiply fuel per lap by the number of race laps you’ll do (including any formation or out-lap if applicable).
Add a safety buffer of 1–3 laps (short races: +1; long/disturbance-prone races: +2–3). This is your fuel to load.
Enter that fuel amount into the fuel load field in the garage setup or strategy window and save the setup.
If you change engine maps, driving style, or run in traffic, repeat steps 1–2 and adjust fuel before the race.

Extra tips / checklist

Use laps that match race conditions (fuel load, tyre wear, engine map). Practice pace = best estimate.
Ignore the first flying lap after pit exit; it usually skews the average.
Add +1 lap for safety on short races, +2 on mid-length, +3 on long races or variable safety car likelihood.
If you’re unsure, err on adding extra fuel — running heavy slightly costs lap time but keeps you in the race.
For endurance events, periodically re-check fuel usage during each stint and calculate fuel for remaining race distance.
Remember: iRacing measures fuel in gallons; treat numbers accordingly and don’t confuse with liters.

FAQs

Q: How many laps do I need for an accurate fuel reading?
A: 4–8 clean, consistent laps at race pace is usually enough. Fewer laps can be noisy; more laps are better if time allows.

Q: Should I include in-lap and out-lap in the calculation?
A: Include any laps you will actually drive in the stint. Don’t use out-laps or first laps after pit exit as representative.

Q: What if my fuel per lap changes during the race?
A: Recalculate in the pits during a stop. iRacing updates fuel-per-lap as you drive; use fresh data each stint.

Q: Is there a built-in margin iRacing recommends?
A: iRacing does not force a margin — you must add your own buffer. Use +1 to +3 laps depending on race length and risk.

Short wrap-up

Using iRacing’s fuel calculator is straightforward: get a clean sample of laps, read the fuel-per-lap, multiply by laps, and add a buffer. Do a quick recalculation if conditions change. Try this in the next practice session and you’ll stop guessing and stop running dry.