ATO Car Expense Deduction Calculator (Cents per Km vs Logbook)

How to do it

1. 1
   Step 1: Open ATO Car Expense Deduction Calculator (Cents per Km vs Logbook) and add your input

   Type your numbers or text, add your file, or pick the options you need. Nothing is uploaded: everything stays in your browser.

2. 2
   Step 2: What ATO Car Expense Deduction Calculator (Cents per Km vs Logbook) does

   Compare the ATO cents per kilometre method with the logbook method for your car deduction.

3. 3
   Step 3: Read the result and compare

   The result appears at once. Change one value to see how the answer moves, then keep the figure that fits your case.

4. 4
   Step 4: Copy or save it

   Copy the result or download it. For an important decision, confirm it with the official source or an adviser.

About this tool

Enter your business kilometres, total kilometres and the yearly running costs. The calculator shows the cents per kilometre claim (88 cents, up to 5,000 km) and the logbook claim (the business share of costs) and which is better.

Cents per kilometre

You can claim 88 cents per business kilometre for 2025-26, up to 5,000 kilometres a year, without receipts. You need to be able to show how you worked out the kilometres.

Logbook method

With a logbook kept for at least 12 continuous weeks you can claim the business-use percentage of your actual costs: fuel, repairs, insurance, registration, interest and depreciation. You need receipts for the costs.

Choosing

Below 5,000 business kilometres the cents method is simple; above it the logbook method is the only way to claim more. The tool shows both so you can choose. Travel from home to your usual workplace is private.

Worked example

6,200 business kilometres out of 15,000 with $9,800 of running costs: the cents method allows 5,000 km at 88 cents, $4,400, the logbook method 41.3% of $9,800, $4,051. The cents method is better and saves about $1,408 at 30% plus the Medicare levy.

Tips for best results

Check every box before you rely on a result, because one wrong digit changes the whole answer. Use the exact figures from your payslip, bill, certificate or contract, and keep a note of the date you calculated. Rates, thresholds and rules change from time to time, so for tax, fees and legal matters treat the output as an estimate and confirm with the official source named on this page. You can run as many scenarios as you like; nothing is saved or sent, and refreshing the page clears the boxes.