Tire Load Rating Chart | How to Read Load Index Tires Easily

Last updated on December 22nd, 2025

When buying new tires, most drivers focus on size and brand—but the tire load rating is just as important. A tire load rating tells you how much weight a single tire can safely carry. This number ensures your tires can handle your vehicle, passengers, and cargo without risking damage or accidents.

Many drivers overlook load ratings because the numbers on the tire sidewall seem confusing or technical. Ignoring them, however, can be risky. Choosing a tire with the wrong load rating can lead to uneven wear, reduced handling, and even blowouts, putting you and your passengers in danger.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to read a tire load rating chart, understand what the numbers mean, and pick the right tires for your vehicle safely and confidently. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to match tires to your car, SUV, or truck without guesswork.

Table of Contents

What Is a Tire Load Rating?

A tire load rating (load index) is a numerical code — usually two or three digits — printed on the tire sidewall that corresponds to the tire’s maximum load-carrying capacity (expressed in pounds or kilograms). Higher numbers mean a higher capacity.

For example, a tire with a load index of 87 can carry roughly 1,201 lb (545 kg) at the tire’s rated inflation. The load index itself isn’t weight — it’s a reference number you look up in a chart to see the capacity.

Where to find it

On the tire sidewall near the size code (e.g., 225/65R17 102H — the 102 is the load index).
On your vehicle’s tire placard (sticker on driver’s door jamb) and in the owner’s manual; the manufacturer’s placard gives the recommended tire size and cold inflation pressure. Always cross-check both.

How Tire Load Ratings Work

Load Index Numbers Explained

Imagine you’re packing a car for a weekend trip. Each tire has a little number — the load index — that tells you how much weight that tire can safely carry. Think of the number like a size on a superhero’s backpack: bigger number = bigger load.

What it means: The load index is a code that maps to a weight value (use a load rating chart to read the exact pounds or kilos).
Why higher = stronger: A higher index simply corresponds to a higher weight capacity.
Why not listed in pounds on the tire: Tires use this compact code so manufacturers and standards bodies stay consistent worldwide. The chart translates the code into pounds/kilos.

Quick tip: check your vehicle’s placard or owner’s manual to see the minimum load index you should use.

Load Rating vs PSI (Important Safety Context)

Tire pressure (PSI) and load rating work together like a team. The tire’s load capacity is only valid at the correct inflation pressure.

How pressure helps: Proper PSI lets the tire support its rated load safely.
Under-inflation danger: Low PSI reduces capacity, makes the tire flex more, heats up faster, and raises the risk of failure.
Placard PSI vs sidewall MAX PSI:
- Vehicle placard/owner’s manual = the pressure you should use for normal driving and loads.
- Sidewall “MAX PSI” = the absolute maximum the tire can hold — not a recommendation.

Always use the vehicle’s recommended PSI and match tires with the correct load index.

Tire Load Index Chart

What this chart shows: Each load index number corresponds to the maximum weight one tire can safely carry when properly inflated.

Load Index	Max Load (lbs)	Max Load (kg)
70	739 lbs	335 kg
71	761 lbs	345 kg
72	783 lbs	355 kg
73	805 lbs	365 kg
74	827 lbs	375 kg
75	853 lbs	387 kg
76	882 lbs	400 kg
77	908 lbs	412 kg
78	937 lbs	425 kg
79	963 lbs	437 kg
80	992 lbs	450 kg
81	1,019 lbs	462 kg
82	1,047 lbs	475 kg
83	1,074 lbs	487 kg
84	1,102 lbs	500 kg
85	1,135 lbs	515 kg
86	1,168 lbs	530 kg
87	1,201 lbs	545 kg
88	1,235 lbs	560 kg
89	1,279 lbs	580 kg
90	1,323 lbs	600 kg
91	1,356 lbs	615 kg
92	1,389 lbs	630 kg
93	1,433 lbs	650 kg
94	1,477 lbs	670 kg
95	1,521 lbs	690 kg
96	1,565 lbs	710 kg
97	1,609 lbs	730 kg
98	1,653 lbs	750 kg
99	1,709 lbs	775 kg
100	1,764 lbs	800 kg
101	1,819 lbs	825 kg
102	1,874 lbs	850 kg
103	1,929 lbs	875 kg
104	1,984 lbs	900 kg
105	2,039 lbs	925 kg
106	2,094 lbs	950 kg
107	2,149 lbs	975 kg
108	2,205 lbs	1,000 kg
109	2,271 lbs	1,030 kg
110	2,337 lbs	1,060 kg
111	2,403 lbs	1,090 kg
112	2,469 lbs	1,120 kg
113	2,535 lbs	1,150 kg
114	2,601 lbs	1,180 kg
115	2,679 lbs	1,215 kg
116	2,756 lbs	1,250 kg
117	2,833 lbs	1,285 kg
118	2,910 lbs	1,320 kg
119	2,998 lbs	1,360 kg
120	3,086 lbs	1,400 kg
121	3,197 lbs	1,450 kg
122	3,307 lbs	1,500 kg
123	3,417 lbs	1,550 kg
124	3,527 lbs	1,600 kg
125	3,638 lbs	1,650 kg
126	3,748 lbs	1,700 kg

How to Read the Tire Load Index Chart Step-by-Step

Find the load index on your tire
Look at the numbers on the sidewall. For example, in 225/65R17 102H, the 102 is the load index.
Check the chart
Match the load index number to the corresponding weight in pounds or kilograms. This tells you the maximum weight one tire can carry safely.
Multiply by the number of tires
Multiply the single-tire capacity by 4 (or the number of tires on your vehicle) to see the total weight your tires can support.
Compare with your vehicle’s weight
Ensure the total tire capacity is higher than your vehicle’s total weight, including passengers and cargo.
Add a safety margin
It’s a good idea to leave an extra 10–15% buffer for safety.

This simple method ensures your tires are rated correctly for safe driving.

How to Choose the Right Tire Load Rating for Your Vehicle: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Follow this short, practical process to pick a safe tire load rating.

Step-by-step selection process

Check the vehicle’s specs first. Look at the door jamb placard and owner’s manual for GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), recommended tire size, and any load guidance. Always treat the manufacturer’s specs as the baseline.
Figure out how much weight you’ll carry. GVWR is the total allowed weight (vehicle + passengers + cargo). If you only know curb weight, add the typical passenger/cargo you expect to carry to estimate the loaded weight.
Divide the load across the tires. For most cars, divide the total loaded weight by 4 to get the weight each tire must support. If you tow or carry heavy rear loads, focus on the axle that will carry more weight (rear axle often does when towing).
Add a safety buffer (10–15%). Real life isn’t perfect — add ~10% (or up to 15% for towing/off-road) to the per-tire number to allow for bumps, heat, and slight overloading.
Pick a load index that meets or exceeds that buffered number. Use a load-rating chart to translate the needed pounds/kg into the correct load index. If in doubt, choose the next higher index—not lower.

Short example: if each tire needs to carry 1,600 lb, add 10% → 1,760 lb. Choose a load index that covers ≥1,760 lb.

Load rating by vehicle type (quick guide)

Passenger cars (sedans, small hatchbacks): typically load index ~82–91. Good for normal passengers and light cargo.
SUVs & crossovers: often ~91–100, especially if you carry family gear or roof cargo regularly.
Pickup trucks: commonly ~97 and up, especially when hauling or towing. Consider Load Range/XL tires for heavy-duty use.
Vans & work vehicles: look for higher indexes or LT (light-truck) tires—manufacturers often specify heavier-duty ratings.
Off-road / utility vehicles (ATV/UTV): use tires rated for dynamic loads and rough terrain; pick higher load indexes or tires marked for utility/off-road use.

Load Range vs Load Index

What is Load Range?

Load range is a letter code (C, D, E, etc.) that shows a tire’s strength and construction, and the approximate maximum inflation it’s designed for.
Historically those letters matched a ply rating (how many cotton layers the tire had). Today the ply number is mostly historical — the letter now means equivalent strength (e.g., C ≈ 6-ply, D ≈ 8-ply, E ≈ 10-ply) but manufacturers build tires differently.
Load range also usually tells you the higher allowable inflation pressure compared with a standard passenger tire — useful when carrying heavy loads.

Load Range vs Load Index — key differences

Load index = a number that translates directly to the exact weight one tire can carry (use a chart to convert).
Load range = a letter describing tire construction and the tire’s heavy-use capability (and typical max inflation).
When load range matters more: towing, heavy hauling, commercial use, or off-road work — cases where the tire needs extra strength and higher inflation.
Which vehicles should prioritize load range: pickups that tow/haul often, vans, light-trucks, RVs, trailers, and fleet/work vehicles. For everyday passenger cars, load index is usually the main concern.
Common buyer mistakes to avoid:
- Treating load range and load index as the same — they’re different things.
- Assuming a higher load range is always better — it can make the ride stiffer and the tire heavier.
- Using the sidewall “MAX PSI” as your normal operating pressure (don’t — use the vehicle placard).
- Mixing different load ranges or capacities on the same axle.

use the load index to confirm a tire can carry the weight you need, and use load range when you need extra construction strength or higher inflation for towing/hauling. If you tow or use your vehicle for work, choose tires with a suitable load range and follow the vehicle maker’s PSI and load recommendations.

Extra Load (XL) vs Standard Load (SL) Tires

What does XL mean?

XL (Extra Load) tires are made to carry more weight than SL (Standard Load) tires of the same size. They do this by being built a bit stronger and by allowing higher air pressure (PSI).

Higher load at higher PSI: An XL tire can safely carry extra weight only when it’s inflated to the higher pressure it’s designed for.
When XL tires are necessary:
- Heavier vehicles
- SUVs or crossovers that often carry people and cargo
- Vehicles that tow or haul regularly
- Cars whose manufacturer specifically recommends XL tires

Always check the door placard or owner’s manual first—if XL is listed, you should use XL.

When you should (and shouldn’t) choose XL tires

Choose XL tires if you:

Drive a heavier SUV or crossover
Carry full loads often (family, gear, roof box)
Tow small trailers or carry extra cargo
See XL listed in the vehicle’s tire recommendations

Stick with SL tires if you:

Drive a lighter car for daily commuting
Rarely carry heavy loads
Want the smoothest, quietest ride
Don’t see XL required by the manufacturer

Ride comfort matters: XL tires usually feel firmer because of their stronger build and higher pressure. That can improve stability with heavy loads, but it may reduce ride comfort on daily city driving.

Real-World Examples — practical scenarios

Daily Commuter Sedan

Imagine Jane drives a small sedan to work every day. She usually carries just herself and her laptop bag. For her, a tire with a standard load index is plenty. Using a tire that matches the manufacturer’s recommended load rating keeps her ride smooth, fuel-efficient, and safe. Jane doesn’t need extra-heavy tires because her car is light and the daily loads are small.

Family SUV with Cargo

Now picture the Smith family loading up their SUV for a weekend trip. Mom, dad, two kids, luggage, and maybe a roof box — suddenly the car is heavier. Here, an SUV tire with a higher load index makes sense.

It can safely handle the extra weight, ensuring stability on highways and reducing wear. Choosing the right load rating helps the family avoid tire stress or potential blowouts while packed for adventure.

Pickup Truck That Tows or Hauls

Mike drives a pickup and often hauls lumber or tows his small camper. With all that extra weight on the rear axle, load index and load range become critical. Standard tires won’t cut it — he needs tires that can handle the combined weight of truck, cargo, and trailer.

Using the correct rating keeps his truck safe on the road and prevents tire damage from overloading.

Off-Road / Adventure Driving

Finally, imagine Sarah taking her ATV on rocky trails and muddy tracks. Off-road loads are tricky: every bump and hill adds stress. Tires rated for extra load and reinforced for off-road conditions protect her vehicle and keep her in control.

Even if the ATV isn’t heavy on paper, the dynamic forces of rough terrain make higher-rated tires a smart choice.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Buying by size only: Don’t assume the same physical tire size implies the same load rating. Always check the load index.
Assuming “higher is always better”: Extremely high load ratings often mean stiffer constructions that may reduce comfort and increase road noise. Choose appropriate, not extreme.
Mixing load ratings on the same axle: Avoid mixing tires with different load indexes on the same axle — the weakest tire governs the safe load.
Ignoring inflation: Even a correctly indexed tire won’t meet its rated capacity if underinflated. Check and set cold inflation pressures regularly.

What Happens If You Use the Wrong Load Rating

Safety Risks

Picture Alex driving home on a hot summer afternoon. He’s got a standard tire on his fully loaded SUV, but it’s rated below what the vehicle actually needs. Halfway through the drive, the tire starts to overheat from carrying too much weight. The result?

Reduced grip, harder handling, and a higher risk of a blowout. Using a tire with the wrong load rating can cause accidents, sudden tire failure, or loss of control, especially when the vehicle is loaded or driving at higher speeds.

Performance & Cost Issues

Now imagine the same scenario with Jane, who installed tires with a lower load rating on her pickup truck. Even without an accident, she notices uneven tread wear, her fuel efficiency drops, and she ends up replacing tires sooner than expected.

Tires that don’t match your vehicle’s weight needs can wear faster, affect ride comfort, and cost more in the long run.

Expert tips & next steps

Always prioritize vehicle manufacturer guidance (placard & owner’s manual). The placard gives the recommended pressures for normal loading; use them unless you have a calculated reason to change (like extra cargo/towing).
For frequent heavy loads or towing, consider LT (Light Truck) tires or a higher load range with appropriate inflation and consult a tire pro.
Keep a simple loading worksheet in your glovebox: estimated passenger weight + cargo weight + tongue load = total loaded weight → per-tire requirement.

Final summary

A tire load rating chart is not just technical trivia — it directly affects safety. Reading the chart, calculating the per-tire load for your real-world use, and selecting a tire with an appropriate load index (and load range when needed) are essential steps before buying replacement tires.

Keep tires properly inflated, and when in doubt consult the vehicle manufacturer or a trusted tire professional.

FAQs

Can I use a higher load index than the OEM spec?

Yes — using a higher load index (higher capacity) is safe from a load perspective, but consider ride comfort and compatibility. Don’t exceed wheel or vehicle limits. Always verify with the vehicle manufacturer if unsure.

Is it dangerous to use a lower load rating?

Yes. Lower-rated tires can be overloaded and are at higher risk of failure. Avoid under-rated tires completely.

Do winter tires have different load ratings?

Winter tires have load ratings like any other tire. Ensure the winter tire’s load index meets or exceeds your vehicle’s requirement. Balance traction needs with proper load capacity.

How often should I check tire pressure?

At least monthly and before long trips or towing. Check the cold pressure (after the car has been parked several hours).