How is mileage typically calculated?

Mileage is typically calculated as the number of miles driven divided by the number of gallons used. This calculation provides the fuel efficiency of a vehicle, expressed in miles per gallon (mpg). The greater the number of miles driven per gallon of fuel, the more efficient the vehicle is in converting fuel into distance traveled, which is a common metric used to assess vehicle performance.

For instance, if a vehicle has traveled 300 miles and used 10 gallons of fuel, the mileage calculation would be 300 miles divided by 10 gallons, resulting in 30 miles per gallon. This information is crucial for consumers, policymakers, and automotive manufacturers as it influences purchasing decisions and environmental considerations.

In the context of the options provided, calculating mileage by dividing miles driven by gallons used accurately models how fuel efficiency is expressed, solidifying why this approach is the standard method for determining a vehicle's mileage.