A route has more than one leg
A delivery can end far from the area where you want to work next. Those extra miles still use fuel and add vehicle wear, even when the delivery platform does not pay separately for them.
Estimate before you start
Use the calculator’s Return / unpaid miles field when you expect a drive back or a move to your next working area. Be realistic rather than assuming every return mile will turn into another paid order.
Confirm what happened
At the end of a workday, use your actual business mileage to review the estimate. A confirmed workday can include travel between orders and other business driving. Linked deliveries provide earnings while the workday supplies the total miles once.
Look for patterns
Compare workdays with similar earnings and different unpaid distances. A smaller payout closer to your next pickup can sometimes leave a better margin. Your own records help you test that possibility over time.