Tire Load Index Chart Explained
Did you know that tire manufacturers rate every tire type with a load index? Did you know they stamp the load index on the side of each tire? The load index (sometimes called the weight index) represents the maximum amount of weight each tire is rated to carry, and it is a critical aspect of your tires: If you are replacing your tires and buy ones with a lower load index, you risk a blowout. Knowing your tire load index is important for proper vehicle maintenance. Learn how to find your tire load index and decode it with our handy tire load index chart explained below.
What Is A Tire Load Index?
If you know how to read the letters and numbers on tires, you already know that the first number in your tire size is your tire width in millimeters. You already know the second number (after the first slash) is the aspect ratio between your tire’s width and sidewall height. And you know the third number (usually after the letter R) is your rim diameter in inches.
You may not have known that the number after the rim diameter (and the second slash) is not a measurement at all: it is a code. This two-digit or three-digit code represents your tire’s load index. The higher this number, the higher the weight each tire is rated to carry.
For example:
- A tire with a size of “275/55R20/113T” has a load index of 113
- A tire with a size of “225/65R17/102H” has a load index of 102
- A tire with a size of “205/65R15/94V” has a load index of 94
Most passenger cars and light trucks come from the factory on tires with load indexes between 70 and 126. These tires are rated to carry anywhere from 739 pounds to 3,748 pounds–each. These numbers do not represent weight or tons, they are a code and require a tire load index chart to decode.
Remember, the total load index of your set of tires is not necessarily the same as your vehicle’s maximum load. There are many aspects of your car that can fail before your tires. The load index on your tire is simply the max tire weight that one tire is rated for.
Tire Load Index Chart
| Load Index | Maximum Weight (Pounds) |
| 70 | 739 lbs |
| 71 | 761 lbs |
| 72 | 783 lbs |
| 73 | 805 lbs |
| 74 | 827 lbs |
| 75 | 853 lbs |
| 76 | 882 lbs |
| 77 | 908 lbs |
| 78 | 937 lbs |
| 79 | 963 lbs |
| 80 | 992 lbs |
| 81 | 1019 lbs |
| 82 | 1047 lbs |
| 83 | 1074 lbs |
| 84 | 1102 lbs |
| 85 | 1135 lbs |
| 86 | 1168 lbs |
| 87 | 1201 lbs |
| 88 | 1235 lbs |
| 89 | 1279 lbs |
| 90 | 1323 lbs |
| 91 | 1356 lbs |
| 92 | 1389 lbs |
| 93 | 1433 lbs |
| 94 | 1477 lbs |
| 95 | 1521 lbs |
| 96 | 1565 lbs |
| 97 | 1609 lbs |
| 98 | 1653 lbs |
| 99 | 1709 lbs |
| 100 | 1764 lbs |
| 101 | 1819 lbs |
| 102 | 1874 lbs |
| 103 | 1929 lbs |
| 104 | 1984 lbs |
| 105 | 2039 lbs |
| 106 | 2094 lbs |
| 107 | 2149 lbs |
| 108 | 2205 lbs |
| 109 | 2271 lbs |
| 110 | 2337 lbs |
| 111 | 2403 lbs |
| 112 | 2469 lbs |
| 113 | 2535 lbs |
| 114 | 2601 lbs |
| 115 | 2679 lbs |
| 116 | 2756 lbs |
| 117 | 2833 lbs |
| 118 | 2910 lbs |
| 119 | 2998 lbs |
| 120 | 3086 lbs |
| 121 | 3197 lbs |
| 122 | 3307 lbs |
| 123 | 3417 lbs |
| 124 | 3527 lbs |
| 125 | 3638 lbs |
| 126 | 3748 lbs |
| 127 | 3858 lbs |
| 128 | 3968 lbs |
| 129 | 4079 lbs |
| 130 | 4189 lbs |
| 131 | 4289 lbs |
| 132 | 4409 lbs |
| 133 | 4541 lbs |
| 134 | 4674 lbs |
| 135 | 4806 lbs |
| 136 | 4938 lbs |
| 137 | 5071 lbs |
| 138 | 5203 lbs |
| 139 | 5357 lbs |
| 140 | 5512 lbs |
| 141 | 5677 lbs |
| 142 | 5842 lbs |
| 143 | 6008 lbs |
| 144 | 6173 lbs |
| 145 | 6393 lbs |
| 146 | 6614 lbs |
| 147 | 6779 lbs |
| 148 | 6844 lbs |
| 149 | 7165 lbs |
| 150 | 7385 lbs |
Changing Your Tire Load Index
It is not a great idea to replace your tires with aftermarket tires that have a lower load index. If the total weight of your vehicle and load exceeds the max tire weight for your set of tires, you risk a blowout. Likewise, if you put more weight on the front or rear tires and exceed their individual weight ratings, you also risk a blowout. And note that if you exceed your tires’ speed rating, you may suffer a blowout without even exceeding your max tire weight.
You can always upgrade your tires to aftermarket tires with a higher load index. Your new tires will be suited to carry more weight. But certain tires with a high load index are louder than stock tires or make for a stiffer ride than stock tires. Be sure to do your research before upgrading your load index.
Is Your Max Tire Weight Approaching Your Load Index?
Do you often carry heavy loads or trailer heavy loads with your vehicle? Do you worry you are approaching your tire load index? You can add together the weight each of your tires is rated for to calculate your overall max tire weight. Subtract your vehicle weight and you will have some idea how much load your tires can carry. Remember, unless the load is balanced between all your tires equally, this weight may be much lower.
Make certain to care for your tires: First, correctly rotate your tires, regularly. Second, store your seasonal tires properly. Don’t push the limit on used tires with worn rubber. And double-check that your tires are not involved in the Continental tire recall, or the Bridgestone and Firestone tire recalls.
Sources: Tire Rack and Driving Line
RELATED: What Type of Truck Tires Do You Need?
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