Tire Ply Rating Chart: 2PR to 24PR Explained

A tire ply rating chart shows how historical Ply Rating designations correspond to Load Range classifications in certain commercial truck tire systems. The chart below covers 2PR through 24PR, including common equivalents such as 8PR (Load Range D), 10PR (Load Range E), and 14PR (Load Range G).

Ply Rating does not indicate the actual number of physical plies inside a modern tire. It represents a historical load-carrying designation. Use this chart as a reference, then check the exact tire’s specifications for its load capacity and inflation requirements.

Tire Ply Rating Chart: 2PR to 24PR

The following table shows the Load Range and Ply Rating equivalents published in Continental’s 2026 Truck Tires Product Lineup for medium radial truck tires.

Important chart notes:

• Load Range I and K are not included in this equivalency chart.
• Ply Rating is a historical load-carrying designation, not a count of a tire’s actual physical plies.
• This table follows Continental’s published medium radial truck tire reference. It is not a universal classification for every passenger, light-truck, trailer, or specialty tire.
• Not every tire displays a separate PR marking on its sidewall.
• The chart does not establish a universal maximum PSI or pounds-per-tire capacity.

What Is a Tire Ply Rating?

A tire ply rating is a traditional designation that indicates a tire’s relative load-carrying capability.

Historically, tire strength was more closely associated with the number of reinforcing fabric or cord layers used in construction. As tire technology advanced, manufacturers began using stronger materials and different construction methods to achieve the required strength with fewer physical layers.

Today, Ply Rating remains a useful classification in certain tire categories, particularly commercial and truck tires. However, it does not necessarily represent the actual number of physical body plies inside a modern tire.

For example, a 10-ply-rated tire does not have to contain 10 actual body plies. Its designation describes a relative load-carrying category rather than a literal construction count.

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) commercial tire guide explains that modern materials typically allow tires to achieve their required load-carrying capability with fewer physical plies than their historical Ply Rating.

Does a 10-Ply-Rated Tire Have 10 Actual Plies?

No. A 10-ply-rated tire does not necessarily contain 10 physical body plies.

Modern tire manufacturers use different materials and construction methods to achieve the required strength. To understand why, it helps to compare radial and bias-ply tire construction.

Radial Tire Construction

In a radial tire, the body-ply cords extend from bead to bead, running approximately perpendicular to the tire’s circumferential direction.

The body ply forms the tire’s main structural carcass. Most radial truck tires use one body ply made from multiple flexible steel strands twisted together to form a steel cord.

Beneath the tread, reinforcing steel belts help stabilize and strengthen the tread area. These belts serve a different structural purpose from the body ply.

Bias-Ply Tire Construction

Bias-ply tires use multiple body-ply layers, with the cords in adjacent layers arranged diagonally in alternating directions from bead to bead.

These crossing layers form the tire’s carcass. Some bias-ply designs also use additional reinforcing belts beneath the tread.

The difference between radial and bias-ply construction explains why a tire’s Ply Rating cannot be used to determine its actual number of physical body plies or reinforcing belts.

The important takeaway: A 10PR or 14PR designation does not establish the tire’s actual physical ply count. Consult the manufacturer’s construction specifications when that information is needed.

Ply Rating vs. Load Range vs. Load Index

Ply Rating, Load Range, and Load Index are related tire specifications, but they describe different aspects of a tire’s load capability.

Ply Rating vs. Load Range

Ply Rating and Load Range are closely related in common commercial truck tire classification systems.

For example, Load Range G corresponds to a 14-ply-rating equivalent in the applicable reference chart.

However, the terms do not describe exactly the same thing:

• Ply Rating represents a historical relative load-carrying designation.
• Load Range identifies the tire’s load and inflation limits.

Some commercial tires display both designations on the sidewall, while others display only the Load Range.

Ply Rating vs. Load Index

Load Index is a numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at the speed indicated by its Speed Symbol under specified service conditions.

For commercial truck tires, the service description may include two Load Index numbers when the tire is approved for both single and dual applications.

For example, 144/141L contains two Load Index values followed by a Speed Symbol. The first number represents single-tire loading, while the second represents dual-tire loading. The letter L is the Speed Symbol.

Neither Ply Rating nor Load Range should be used alone to calculate the exact load a tire can carry.

For more information about numerical tire load ratings, see our Tire Load Index Chart.

How to Find Ply Rating on a Tire Sidewall

Some truck and commercial tires display a numerical Ply Rating marking such as 8PR, 10PR, or 14PR. Others display a Load Range letter without a separate PR marking.

Start by examining the markings molded into the tire sidewall. Look for the tire size, Load Range, service description, and any separate Ply Rating information.

Example 1: 14PR and Load Range G

Yokohama provides this example in its official Truck and Bus Tire Sidewall Branding Guide:

14PR — LOAD RANGE G

This marking means:

• 14PR: A 14-ply-rated designation.
• Load Range G: The corresponding Load Range classification in the applicable North American reference system.

Yokohama identifies this particular marking example as applying to Canadian and U.S. codes.

It does not mean that the tire contains 14 physical body plies.

Example 2: Understanding a Commercial Truck Tire Sidewall

USTMA uses the following commercial truck tire specifications as an example:

295/75R22.5 144/141L — Load Range G

Each part identifies different information:

In the common commercial truck tire equivalency chart, Load Range G corresponds to a 14PR equivalent. However, the service description and Load Range provide different information.

Important: Not every tire displays PR markings. When a separate Ply Rating is not shown, use the Load Range marking and consult the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact tire.

8-Ply vs. 10-Ply Tires: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between 8-ply-rated and 10-ply-rated tires is their relative load-carrying designation.

In the common commercial truck tire equivalency chart:

• 8PR corresponds to Load Range D.
• 10PR corresponds to Load Range E.

A 10PR tire has a higher ply-rating designation than an 8PR tire in this classification system. However, the difference does not establish a universal percentage increase in load capacity.

Actual load capacity depends on the exact tire size, Load Index, inflation pressure, and manufacturer load-inflation specifications.

Therefore, a 10PR tire should not automatically be considered a suitable replacement for every 8PR tire.

For a more detailed discussion of load-range classifications, see our Tire Load Range Chart.

Is a Higher Ply Rating Better?

A higher Ply Rating is not automatically better for every vehicle or application.

In the applicable commercial truck tire classification system, a higher PR designation corresponds to a higher Load Range category. However, the rating alone does not guarantee better durability, puncture resistance, tread life, traction, or handling.

A higher load-capacity tire may be appropriate when the vehicle’s application requires it and the replacement specification is approved.

Before selecting a tire, check:

1. Original tire size: Use the vehicle’s tire placard, certification label, or owner’s manual.
2. Load-carrying capacity: The replacement must satisfy the vehicle’s specified load requirements.
3. Load Index and Load Range: Compare the complete tire specifications.
4. Inflation capability: Confirm that the tire supports the required operating pressure.
5. Speed rating: Maintain the speed capability specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
6. Wheel compatibility: Check approved rim widths and wheel load and pressure limits.
7. Application: Confirm suitability for the intended service and single or dual configuration.

A higher tire load rating does not increase the vehicle’s Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The vehicle’s wheels, axles, suspension, and other components retain their own limits.

For passenger and light-truck vehicle replacements, follow the original equipment requirements or manufacturer-approved alternatives. The USTMA tire replacement guidance explains the importance of matching the specified tire size, Load Index, and Speed Rating.

Common Tire Ply Rating Mistakes

Here are seven common mistakes to avoid when interpreting a tire Ply Rating:

1. Assuming 10PR means 10 actual physical plies: Ply Rating is a relative load-carrying designation, not a literal body-ply count.
2. Confusing Ply Rating with Load Index: A PR designation and a numerical Load Index provide different information.
3. Assuming every Load Range has one universal PSI: Inflation requirements depend on the exact tire size, load, and manufacturer data.
4. Believing a higher Ply Rating is always better: Vehicle compatibility and replacement requirements matter more than choosing the highest number.
5. Assuming 10PR carries a fixed percentage more weight than 8PR: No universal percentage increase can be established from these designations alone.
6. Treating SL, XL, and HL as direct equivalents of commercial Load Range letters: These are separate passenger-tire classifications.
7. Assuming every tire displays a PR marking: Some tires show a Load Range or another service designation instead.

The safest approach is to read the complete tire specification rather than relying on one marking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tire Ply Ratings

How Many Ply Is Load Range E?

Load Range E corresponds to a 10-ply-rating equivalent (10PR) in the common commercial truck tire equivalency chart. This does not mean that the tire necessarily contains 10 physical body plies. Its actual load capacity depends on its exact specifications.

Is 10PR the Same as 10-Ply Rated?

Yes. The marking 10PR is shorthand for a 10-ply-rated designation. However, it does not mean that the tire must contain exactly 10 physical body plies.

Does a 10-Ply-Rated Tire Have 10 Actual Plies?

No, not necessarily. Modern tire construction can achieve the required strength with fewer physical body plies. Actual construction depends on the tire’s design and manufacturer specifications.

What Does 8PR Mean on a Tire?

8PR means 8-ply rated. In the common commercial truck tire equivalency chart, it corresponds to Load Range D. It represents a relative load-carrying designation rather than an actual count of eight physical layers.

What Load Range Is 12PR?

12PR corresponds to Load Range F in the common commercial truck tire equivalency chart. This is a reference equivalency, not a universal classification for every passenger or specialty tire.

What Is the Difference Between 8PR and 10PR Tires?

In the common equivalency chart, 8PR corresponds to Load Range D, while 10PR corresponds to Load Range E. The 10PR designation is higher, but actual load capacity depends on tire size, inflation pressure, and manufacturer specifications.

Is a Higher Ply Rating Always Better?

No. A higher rating does not automatically make a tire suitable for every vehicle. The correct replacement must meet the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements for tire size, load capacity, inflation, speed rating, and compatibility.

Is Ply Rating the Same as Load Index?

No. Ply Rating is a historical relative load-carrying designation, while Load Index is a numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry under specified service conditions.

Conclusion

A tire ply rating chart helps you understand the relationship between historical Ply Rating designations and Load Range classifications. In the commercial truck tire reference used in this guide, the equivalents range from 2PR (Load Range A) to 24PR (Load Range N).

Remember that Ply Rating does not indicate the actual number of physical plies in a modern tire or independently determine its load capacity. Always check the exact tire’s specifications and follow your vehicle manufacturer’s replacement recommendations before choosing a tire.