The standard mileage rate is by far the easiest to use. With the standard mileage rate, you take the deduction of a specified number of cents for every business mile you drive. The IRS sets the standard mileage rate each year. The 2016 Mileage Rate is 54 cents per mile. To figure out your mileage deduction, simply multiply your business miles by the standard mileage rate for the specific year. Example: Ed, a salesperson, drove his car 20,000 miles for business during 2016.