How the estimate is built
The metered fare is the base fare plus distance times the per mile charge plus minutes times the per minute charge. If that is below the minimum fare, the minimum replaces it. The metered fare is multiplied by the surge multiplier, the service fee is added once, and the tip percentage is applied to the result.
The service fee is added after surge because it is a fixed charge, not a distance or time rate. The tip is calculated on the fare including fees. All amounts are handled in whole cents.
Worked example
A 6 mile trip taking 18 minutes on a tariff of 3.00 base, 1.75 per mile and 0.35 per minute gives 3.00 + 10.50 + 6.30 = 19.80. A 1.2 surge multiplier raises the fare to 23.76, and a 2.55 service fee brings it to 26.31. A 15% tip adds 3.95, so the estimated total is 30.26, about 5.04 per mile.
These rates are illustrative. Enter the tariff shown in your app before you ride.
Where the rates come from
In the United States, rideshare and taxi rates are set by the operator rather than by a national tariff. Rates vary by city, by time of day and by vehicle category, and surge pricing changes them further when demand is high.
This page does not hold a rate table and does not query a booking API. You supply the rates, so the estimate is only as good as the tariff you enter. The price quoted in the app at the moment of booking is authoritative.
Surge, fees and extras
A surge multiplier of 1 means no surge. Enter 1.5 when the app shows a fare of one and a half times the normal rate. Surge can change within minutes, so an estimate made in advance may not match the price at confirmation.
Tolls, airport fees, cleaning charges and cancellation fees are not modelled. Waiting time is included only through the minutes you enter. Add any known extras separately.
Limits of this estimate
The result is arithmetic from your inputs, not a quote. It does not predict traffic that lengthens the trip after you set off, route changes, or operator-specific rounding.
For a rail alternative in dollars, compare fares with the US train fare calculator. For commuting by pass, use the commuter pass calculator.
For a rail alternative on the same trip, compare quotes with the US train fare calculator.
For pound rates and UK licensing terminology, use the UK Uber tariff calculator.
Inputs for the US Uber tariff calculator
Journey distance
Enter the miles your app shows for the trip, including any diversion the route requires.
Journey time
Enter the expected minutes, including time waiting in traffic rather than only moving time.
Base fare
The fixed charge at the start of the trip, sometimes called the base rate or flag drop.
Charge per mile
The tariff rate for each mile at the time of your trip, not a citywide average.
Charge per minute
The tariff rate for each minute. Enter zero when your operator charges by distance only.
Service fee
A fixed fee added once per trip, shown separately in the app. Enter zero when none applies.
Minimum fare
The lowest metered amount charged for any trip. Enter zero when no minimum applies.
Surge multiplier
Enter 1 for no surge, or the multiplier the app shows, such as 1.5 for a fare one and a half times normal.
Tip
The percentage added to the fare after surge and fees. Enter zero when you do not intend to tip.
CALCULATOR QUESTIONS
Uber tariff calculator US questions
Is this a live Uber or taxi quote?
No. It calculates from the rates you enter. The price in the app at booking is the authoritative amount.
Why is the service fee added after surge?
It is a fixed charge rather than a distance or time rate, so it is added once and is not multiplied by surge.
Does the estimate include tolls or airport fees?
No. Tolls, airport charges, cleaning fees and cancellation fees are not modelled and must be added separately.
Why does the minimum fare change a short trip?
On a short trip the distance and time charges can fall below the operator's minimum, so the minimum becomes the metered fare.