What Is Tire Load Index? Numbers, Chart & Meaning
The tire load index tells you how much weight one tire can safely carry when it is the right size, properly installed, and inflated to the correct pressure. It is not just a random sidewall number. It helps you choose replacement tires that can handle your vehicle, passengers, cargo, towing load, and daily driving conditions without overloading the tire.
Quick Answer
A tire load index is the number after the tire size, such as the 95 in 215/60R16 95H. It matches a charted maximum load per tire. For example, load index 94 equals 1,477 lb / 670 kg per tire when properly inflated.
Key Takeaways
- The load index is a coded number that converts to a specific weight capacity per tire.
- Replacement tires should usually match or exceed the original equipment load index shown on the tire placard, owner’s manual, or original tire size.
- Load index is not the same as load range, speed rating, GVWR, or GAWR.
- Correct cold tire pressure is required for the tire to carry its rated load safely.
- Do not use a lower load index unless the vehicle manufacturer or a qualified tire professional confirms the fitment is safe.
At a Glance
| Time Required | 3–5 minutes to read the sidewall and check the chart |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Tools Needed | Tire sidewall, vehicle placard or owner’s manual, tire load index chart, tire pressure gauge |
| Cost | Free to check |
What the Tire Load Index Is
The tire load index is an assigned number that shows the maximum weight one tire can support when it is properly inflated. The higher the number, the more weight the tire can carry.
You will usually find the load index in the tire’s service description, immediately after the tire size. In the example 215/60R16 95H, the load index is 95, and the speed rating is H. The load index tells you weight capacity; the speed rating tells you the tire’s tested speed capability under specified conditions.
A load index is useful because tire sizes alone do not tell the whole story. Two tires can look similar, fit the same wheel, and still have different load capacities. That is why you should compare the load index before buying replacement tires.
Warning: Never choose a tire with a lower load index than your vehicle’s original specification just because it fits the wheel. An underspecified tire can overheat, wear faster, handle poorly, or fail under load.
How to Read Load Index Numbers With a Load Chart
Reading a tire load index takes three steps: find the number on the sidewall, look it up on a load index chart, then compare it with your vehicle’s required tire specification. For U.S. passenger tires, the sidewall also lists the tire’s maximum load in pounds, but the chart makes it easier to compare different sizes and indexes.
- Find the tire size: Look for a code such as 225/50R17 94V.
- Identify the load index: In that example, 94 is the load index.
- Convert the number: Load index 94 equals 1,477 lb / 670 kg per tire.
- Compare with the vehicle placard: Check the tire placard, usually on the driver’s doorjamb, or the owner’s manual for the recommended tire size, load rating, and cold pressure.
Note: Multiplying the per-tire capacity by four does not tell you how much cargo you can add to the vehicle. Your real limit is still controlled by the vehicle’s placard, payload rating, GVWR, GAWR, wheels, suspension, brakes, and towing limits.
Common Tire Load Index Chart
The table below covers many passenger, SUV, crossover, and light-truck tire indexes. Always confirm the final fitment against your vehicle placard and tire manufacturer’s data.
| Load Index | Max Load | Load Index | Max Load |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75 | 853 lb / 387 kg | 101 | 1,819 lb / 825 kg |
| 80 | 992 lb / 450 kg | 102 | 1,874 lb / 850 kg |
| 85 | 1,135 lb / 515 kg | 103 | 1,929 lb / 875 kg |
| 88 | 1,235 lb / 560 kg | 104 | 1,984 lb / 900 kg |
| 89 | 1,279 lb / 580 kg | 105 | 2,039 lb / 925 kg |
| 90 | 1,323 lb / 600 kg | 106 | 2,094 lb / 950 kg |
| 91 | 1,356 lb / 615 kg | 107 | 2,149 lb / 975 kg |
| 92 | 1,389 lb / 630 kg | 108 | 2,205 lb / 1,000 kg |
| 93 | 1,433 lb / 650 kg | 109 | 2,271 lb / 1,030 kg |
| 94 | 1,477 lb / 670 kg | 110 | 2,337 lb / 1,060 kg |
| 95 | 1,521 lb / 690 kg | 112 | 2,469 lb / 1,120 kg |
| 96 | 1,565 lb / 710 kg | 114 | 2,601 lb / 1,180 kg |
| 97 | 1,609 lb / 730 kg | 116 | 2,756 lb / 1,250 kg |
| 98 | 1,653 lb / 750 kg | 118 | 2,910 lb / 1,320 kg |
| 99 | 1,709 lb / 775 kg | 120 | 3,086 lb / 1,400 kg |
| 100 | 1,764 lb / 800 kg | 123 | 3,417 lb / 1,550 kg |
Load index 94 does not mean 94 pounds or 94 psi. It means the tire is rated for 1,477 pounds of load when used and inflated as specified.
Tire Load Index vs Load Range vs GVWR: Which Matters for Your Vehicle?
Load index, load range, GVWR, and GAWR all matter, but they answer different questions. The safest approach is to follow the vehicle manufacturer’s tire specification first, then confirm any changes with a qualified tire professional.
| Term | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Load Index | Number that converts to maximum load per tire. | Shows whether the tire can carry the required weight. |
| Load Range | Letter such as SL, XL, C, D, or E that relates to construction and pressure capability. | Common on light-truck, trailer, and reinforced tires; it is not the same as actual ply count. |
| GVWR | Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: the maximum allowed weight of the loaded vehicle. | Limits total vehicle weight, including passengers, cargo, fluids, and tongue weight. |
| GAWR | Gross Axle Weight Rating: the maximum allowed weight on each axle. | Important because front and rear axle loads are not always evenly split. |
| Tire Placard | Vehicle label listing original tire size, cold pressure, seating, and load information. | This is your first reference for correct replacement tire specs and inflation pressure. |
Load range is often misunderstood. Older “ply rating” language does not mean a modern tire literally has that many body plies. Instead, the load range marks the tire’s strength category and pressure capability for that tire type. For example, a Load Range E light-truck tire is commonly called a “10-ply rated” tire, but that does not mean it has ten physical plies.
Pro Tip: When changing tire size, tire type, or wheel size, compare the new tire’s load index, load range, speed rating, approved rim width, and inflation requirements—not just the outside diameter.
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When to Choose a Higher Tire Load Index and When Not To
A higher tire load index can be helpful when your vehicle regularly carries more weight, but it is not automatically “better” for every driver. The right choice depends on the vehicle, axle ratings, wheel rating, tire pressure requirements, ride goals, and manufacturer recommendations.
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Choose a Higher Load Index When
- You tow a trailer and need extra load reserve for tongue weight.
- You carry heavy tools, equipment, passengers, or cargo often.
- You drive a modified vehicle with added weight, such as bumpers, racks, winches, drawers, or camper equipment.
- You are switching from a passenger tire to a properly approved light-truck tire for heavier-duty use.
- Your tire professional or vehicle manufacturer confirms the higher-rated tire is suitable for your wheels, pressure, and suspension.
Do Not Upsize Load Index Just for Looks
A tire with a higher load index may have a stiffer sidewall, higher pressure requirement, heavier casing, or different ride feel. On a daily driver with normal loads, that can mean more road noise, a firmer ride, higher rolling resistance, or less comfort without a real safety benefit.
If your vehicle is unmodified and used normally, the best choice is usually a tire that matches the original equipment load index and speed rating. Going above the original load index is often acceptable when the size and fitment are correct, but going below it is where risk increases.
How Tire Load Index Affects Pressure, Safety, and Care
The load index assumes the tire is used correctly. That includes the right tire size, approved wheel, proper installation, and correct cold tire inflation pressure. Under-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to carry load safely because the tire flexes more, builds heat faster, and wears unevenly.
Over-inflation can also cause problems. It can reduce ride comfort, change the contact patch, increase center wear, and affect handling. The maximum pressure printed on the sidewall is not automatically the pressure you should use every day. For most vehicles, start with the pressure on the vehicle placard unless the owner’s manual gives a different loaded-vehicle instruction.
- Check pressure cold: Measure before driving or after the vehicle has been parked for several hours.
- Use the placard: Follow the pressure listed on the driver’s doorjamb placard or in the owner’s manual.
- Adjust for heavy loads only when directed: Some vehicles list separate pressures for light load, full load, towing, or high-speed use.
- Inspect before trips: Look for cuts, bulges, uneven wear, embedded objects, and signs of heat damage.
- Do not rely only on TPMS: A tire pressure monitoring system usually warns after pressure is already low; it does not replace routine checks.
Warning: A tire can have the correct load index and still be unsafe if it is under-inflated, overloaded, damaged, aged, mismatched, or mounted on a wheel that is not rated for the load.
Special Cases: XL, LT, P-Metric, and Dual Load Ratings
Some tire markings need extra care because they change how load capacity should be interpreted.
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SL vs XL Tires
SL means Standard Load. XL means Extra Load, sometimes called reinforced. XL tires can carry more load than a standard-load tire of the same size, but only when used at the proper inflation pressure. Do not install XL tires and keep the same pressure without checking the vehicle and tire manufacturer’s instructions.
LT Tires and Load Range
LT tires are light-truck tires. They often use load range letters such as C, D, or E and may require higher pressures than passenger tires. If your vehicle came with P-metric tires, switching to LT tires can change ride, pressure needs, weight, and handling.
P-Metric Tires on Light Trucks
P-metric passenger tires are rated differently from LT tires. In many light-truck, pickup, van, and SUV applications, fitment guides apply a capacity adjustment when P-metric tires are used in light-truck service. This is one reason tire changes should be checked against the vehicle placard and a trusted fitment guide rather than guessed from size alone.
Dual Load Ratings Such as 123/120
A marking such as 123/120 is common on some light-truck tires. The first number is the load index for a single tire position, and the second number is for a dual tire position. In this example, 123 equals 3,417 lb / 1,550 kg per tire in single use, while 120 equals 3,086 lb / 1,400 kg per tire in dual use.
Common Tire Load Index Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing load index with PSI: Load index is a capacity code, not an inflation pressure.
- Assuming higher is always better: Higher capacity can come with ride and efficiency tradeoffs.
- Using GVWR alone: Axle ratings and load distribution matter, especially when towing or hauling.
- Ignoring the wheel rating: A stronger tire does not make a weak or underrated wheel stronger.
- Mixing tire types: Mixing different load indexes, speed ratings, sizes, or constructions can affect handling and stability.
- Replacing by size only: The tire must also meet the correct service description, load capacity, and speed rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does tire load index 94 mean?
Load index 94 means one tire is rated to carry up to 1,477 lb / 670 kg when properly inflated and used according to the tire and vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
What does load index 123/120 mean?
Load index 123/120 is a dual-service marking. The first number applies when the tire is used as a single tire, and the second applies when used in a dual-wheel setup. Index 123 equals 3,417 lb / 1,550 kg; index 120 equals 3,086 lb / 1,400 kg.
Can I use a lower load index than the original tire?
You should not use a lower load index unless the vehicle manufacturer or a qualified tire professional confirms the tire still meets the vehicle’s load requirements. A lower index reduces load capacity and can create a safety risk.
Is a higher tire load index better?
A higher load index can be better for towing, hauling, or modified vehicles, but it is not automatically better for normal driving. It may make the ride firmer, add tire weight, or change handling. Matching the original equipment specification is usually best for unmodified daily-use vehicles.
What is better, H or V rating on tires?
Neither is automatically better. H and V are speed ratings, not load ratings. H is commonly rated up to 130 mph, while V is commonly rated up to 149 mph. Use the speed rating recommended by the vehicle manufacturer; a higher speed rating may improve response but can affect ride, wear, or cost.
Do I inflate tires to the max pressure on the sidewall?
Usually, no. The sidewall maximum pressure is the tire’s limit, not the everyday recommended pressure for your vehicle. Use the cold tire pressure on the vehicle placard or owner’s manual unless the manufacturer gives a different instruction for full load or towing.
Where do I find the correct load index for my car?
Check the tire placard on the driver’s doorjamb, the owner’s manual, the original tire size, or the manufacturer’s tire specification. If the vehicle has aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or towing modifications, confirm fitment with a qualified tire professional.
Is load index the same as load range?
No. Load index is a number that converts to a weight capacity per tire. Load range is a letter-based strength and pressure category, used often on light-truck and trailer tires. You may need to check both when replacing tires.
Conclusion
The tire load index is one of the most important numbers on your tire because it tells you how much weight one tire can carry when properly inflated. Read it after the tire size, convert it with a load chart, and compare it with your vehicle placard, owner’s manual, GVWR, GAWR, and real driving use.
Choose a higher load index when towing, hauling, or vehicle modifications truly require more load reserve. For normal daily driving, matching the original equipment load index is usually the best balance of safety, comfort, handling, and efficiency. Measure, match, inflate, and inspect—safe tire selection starts before the tire ever touches the road.
Sources
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Tire Safety Brochure — tire inflation, load limits, tire placard, and safety guidance.
- Goodyear Tire Load Index Guide — definition of tire load index and how to find it on the sidewall.
- Continental Tire Sidewall Guide — tire sidewall markings, load index location, and service description basics.
- Tire Rack Load Index Explanation — load index meaning and load-carrying capacity guidance.
- Tire Rack Load Range and Ply Rating Guide — load range, ply rating, and replacement tire considerations.
- Goodyear Recommended Tire Pressure Guide — cold tire pressure, under-inflation, over-inflation, and vehicle placard guidance.
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