What a load range chart shows and why it matters

A load range chart is a table that tells you the maximum weight a tire can safely carry at a given air pressure. It lists tire sizes down the left side, then shows load capacity across columns for different pressure levels — usually in 2 or 4 PSI increments. The chart exists because the same tire size can carry different weights depending on how much air is inside it, and overloading a tire causes heat buildup, sidewall failure, and blowouts.

You need this chart when you are buying replacement tires or checking whether your current tires can handle a load you are planning to carry. The chart tells you the hard limits: what your tires can do, not what your vehicle's suspension or brakes can handle. Those are separate questions, but the tire is where the failure usually starts.

Load range charts are published by tire manufacturers and are free to access online. You can also find them printed on the sidewall of the tire itself, though the sidewall format is harder to read quickly. The chart format lets you compare multiple tire sizes and pressures side by side.

Key Takeaways

  • A load range chart shows the maximum weight a tire can carry at each air pressure level, measured in pounds per tire.
  • The same tire size carries more weight at higher pressures, so you must match both the tire size and the pressure to your vehicle's needs.
  • Your vehicle's door jamb label tells you the tire size and the pressure your manufacturer recommends; the load range chart then tells you the weight capacity at that pressure.
  • Exceeding the weight limit on the chart risks tire failure, even if the tire looks fine and has tread remaining.
  • Load range charts are specific to each tire model, so you cannot use one chart for all tires of the same size.

How to find your vehicle's tire size and recommended pressure

Before you look at a load range chart, you need two pieces of information from your vehicle: the tire size and the manufacturer's recommended air pressure. Both are printed on a label inside the driver's door jamb — the vertical edge of the door frame where the door closes. Open the driver's door and look at the edge of the door frame itself, not the door panel. You will see a white or yellow label with tire and pressure information.

The tire size appears as a code like 225/65R17 or LT245/75R16. The recommended pressure is listed in PSI (pounds per square inch) and is usually between 28 and 36 PSI for passenger vehicles, higher for trucks and vans. Write down both numbers exactly as they appear. Do not use the pressure printed on the tire sidewall — that is the maximum pressure the tire can hold, not the pressure your vehicle needs.

If the label is missing or illegible, your vehicle's owner manual contains the same information. You can also call the dealership with your vehicle's year, make, and model, and they will give you the correct tire size and pressure over the phone.

Reading the columns and rows on a load range chart

A load range chart is organized as a grid. The leftmost column lists tire sizes — for example, 225/65R17, 235/65R17, 245/65R17. Each row corresponds to one tire size. The columns to the right show air pressures, usually starting at 26 PSI and increasing by 2 or 4 PSI increments up to the tire's maximum. The numbers in the cells are the maximum load capacity in pounds for that tire size at that pressure.

To use the chart, find your tire size in the left column, then move across that row to the column that matches your vehicle's recommended pressure. The number you find is the maximum weight that one tire can carry. Multiply by four to find the total weight your four tires can carry together. If you are carrying a load heavier than that total, your tires cannot safely handle it.

Some charts also include a column labeled "Load Index" or "LI," which is a number that corresponds to a standard weight capacity. Load index is useful if you are comparing tires across different brands, because the same load index always means the same weight capacity. However, you still need the pressure column to know what pressure achieves that capacity.

The relationship between pressure and load capacity

The reason load range charts have multiple pressure columns is that tire capacity increases with pressure. A tire at 28 PSI carries less weight than the same tire at 32 PSI, which carries less than the same tire at 36 PSI. This is not a suggestion to overinflate — your vehicle's door jamb label specifies the pressure that balances load capacity, fuel economy, ride comfort, and tire wear. You should use that pressure, not a higher one.

If you find that your tires cannot carry the load you need at your vehicle's recommended pressure, you have two options: buy tires with a higher load capacity (usually a different size or a reinforced model), or reduce the load you are carrying. You should not increase tire pressure above the manufacturer's recommendation to gain capacity. Overinflation causes the tire center to wear faster, reduces traction, and makes the ride harsher.

Some vehicles, particularly trucks and vans, have different recommended pressures for different loads. The door jamb label may show two pressures: one for normal driving and one for towing or carrying heavy cargo. If your label shows two pressures, use the higher one when you are carrying the heavier load, and use the lower one for normal driving.

Matching load range to your vehicle's weight and cargo

Your vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is the maximum total weight the vehicle can safely carry, including the vehicle itself, passengers, cargo, and any trailer tongue weight. This number is also on the door jamb label. Your tires must be able to carry at least the GVWR at your vehicle's recommended pressure. If they cannot, you need different tires.

To check this, find your tire size and recommended pressure on the load range chart, multiply the single-tire capacity by four, and compare that total to your GVWR. If the total is equal to or greater than the GVWR, your tires are adequate. If it is less, your tires are undersized for your vehicle, and you should consult a tire shop or your vehicle's manual about the correct replacement size.

If you are planning to tow a trailer or carry an unusually heavy load, add the trailer weight or cargo weight to your vehicle's curb weight (the weight of the vehicle itself, empty). That sum should not exceed your GVWR, and your tires must be able to carry it at your recommended pressure. Many people underestimate cargo weight — a full tank of fuel, five passengers, and a roof rack with gear can add 1,000 pounds or more.

Where to find load range charts for your tires

Tire manufacturers publish load range charts on their websites, usually in a downloadable PDF format. To find the chart for your tires, go to the manufacturer's website (Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Continental, and others all publish them), search for "load range chart" or "load index chart," and filter by tire size. You will need the exact tire size and the tire model name, which you can find on the tire sidewall or on your receipt.

If you do not know the tire model name, take a photo of the tire sidewall and bring it to a tire shop. They can identify the tire and print the load range chart for you, usually at no cost. Some tire shops also keep printed charts on hand for the most common tire sizes.

The tire sidewall itself contains load capacity information, but it is encoded in a format that requires decoding. The sidewall shows the load index (a number like 95 or 104) and the speed rating (a letter like H or V). You can look up what weight that load index represents, but you still need to know the pressure at which that capacity applies. The chart format is much faster and less error-prone.

Common mistakes when using load range charts

The most common mistake is confusing the tire's maximum pressure (printed on the sidewall) with the vehicle's recommended pressure (on the door jamb label). The sidewall pressure is the absolute limit the tire can hold without rupturing. The recommended pressure is lower and is what you should actually use. Always use the recommended pressure when reading the load range chart.

A second mistake is using a load range chart from one tire model to estimate capacity for a different model. Charts are specific to each tire. Two tires of the same size from different manufacturers, or even different models from the same manufacturer, can have different load capacities. Always use the chart for the exact tire you own or plan to buy.

A third mistake is forgetting to multiply the single-tire capacity by four. The chart shows what one tire can carry. Your vehicle has four tires, so the total capacity is four times the number on the chart. If you are carrying a load, divide the total load by four to find the weight per tire, then check that against the chart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a load range chart from a tire of a different size?

No. Load range charts are specific to each tire size and model. A chart for a 225/65R17 tire does not explore to a 235/65R17 tire, even though they are similar sizes. Always use the chart for the exact tire size and model you own or plan to buy. Using the wrong chart could lead you to overload your tires.

What if my vehicle's door jamb label is missing or unreadable?

Check your vehicle's owner manual, which contains the same tire size and pressure information. If you do not have the manual, call your vehicle's dealership with the year, make, and model, and they will provide the correct information. Do not guess or use the pressure from the tire sidewall, as that is not the same as the recommended pressure.

Does a load range chart tell me if my tires are safe to drive on?

No. A load range chart tells you the weight capacity of a tire at a given pressure. It does not tell you whether the tire has adequate tread, is properly inflated, or is damaged. You still need to inspect your tires regularly for wear, cracks, and proper pressure. A tire can be within its weight capacity and still be unsafe to drive on if it is worn or damaged.

What if I need to carry more weight than my tires can handle?

You have two options: buy tires with a higher load capacity (usually a larger size or a reinforced model designed for trucks or vans), or reduce the weight you are carrying. Do not overinflate your tires to gain capacity. Overinflation causes uneven wear, reduces traction, and can damage the tire. Consult a tire shop or your vehicle's manual about the correct tire size for heavier loads.

Is the load index number the same across all tire brands?

Yes. Load index is a standardized system, so a load index of 95 always represents the same weight capacity regardless of the tire brand. However, you still need to know the pressure at which that capacity applies, which is why the full load range chart is more useful than the load index alone.