Tire load range tells you the maximum weight each tire can safely carry
A tire's load range is a letter — A, B, C, D, E, or F — that indicates how much weight that single tire can support at its maximum air pressure. The higher the letter, the heavier the load the tire can handle. You'll find this letter printed on the tire's sidewall, right after the tire size. For example, a tire marked "LT225/75R16 E" has a load range of E.
Load range is different from load index, which is a number. Load range is used mainly for light truck tires (marked with "LT" at the beginning of the size). Passenger car tires use load index instead. If you're buying tires for a truck, SUV, or trailer, you need to match the load range to your vehicle's weight and how you plan to use it.
The reason this matters is straightforward: if your tires can't handle your vehicle's weight plus cargo, they wear out faster, run hotter, and can fail suddenly. Choosing the right load range keeps your tires working as designed and keeps you safer on the road.
Key Takeaways
- Load range is a single letter (A through F) printed on the tire sidewall that shows the maximum weight one tire can carry at full air pressure.
- Load range applies mainly to light truck tires; passenger car tires use a load index number instead.
- Your vehicle's door jamb or owner's manual lists the tire size and load range your manufacturer recommends.
- Choosing a load range lower than recommended will cause premature wear and overheating; choosing higher than needed is safe but costs more.
- Load range and ply rating are related but not the same — load range is the actual weight capacity, while ply rating is the number of cord layers in the tire structure.
How to find the load range on your tire
The load range letter appears on the sidewall of the tire, after the tire size. Look for a sequence like this: LT225/75R16 E. The "E" at the end is the load range. It's printed in white or raised lettering, usually near the bottom of the sidewall where you can see it when the tire is mounted on the wheel.
If you can't see the sidewall clearly because the tire is already on your vehicle, you can find the recommended load range in your vehicle's owner's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb. That sticker also lists the tire size, recommended air pressure, and load range for your specific vehicle.
Load range chart and what each letter means
Each load range letter represents a different maximum weight capacity per tire. The weight capacity depends on the tire size and the air pressure it's inflated to. Here's what the letters mean in order from lightest to heaviest duty:
| Load Range | Ply Rating | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| A | 2 | Passenger cars and light-duty vehicles |
| B | 4 | Light trucks and vans with moderate loads |
| C | 6 | Light trucks and vans with heavier loads |
| D | 8 | Heavy-duty trucks and commercial use |
| E | 10 | Heavy-duty trucks and trailers |
| F | 12 | Extra-heavy-duty trucks and commercial trailers |
The ply rating in the chart above is the number of cord layers in the tire's structure. A higher ply rating means more layers and a stiffer, stronger tire. However, ply rating is not the same as load range — two tires with the same load range may have different ply ratings depending on the tire's construction.
How to match load range to your vehicle
Your vehicle's manufacturer specifies the correct load range for your truck, SUV, or trailer. You'll find this information on the sticker inside the driver's door jamb or in your owner's manual. The sticker lists the tire size and load range together, like "LT245/75R16 C" or "LT225/75R16 E". Always use the load range your manufacturer recommends.
If you're replacing tires, you can use the same load range as the original tires, or you can go up to a higher load range if you need to carry heavier loads. Going up one or two load ranges (from C to D, for example) is common if you're towing a trailer or carrying heavy cargo regularly. However, going down to a lower load range than recommended is not safe and will void your warranty.
If you're unsure whether your vehicle needs a C, D, or E load range, weigh your vehicle when it's fully loaded the way you normally use it. Add the weight of passengers, cargo, and any trailer tongue weight. Then compare that total to your vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is listed on the door jamb sticker. Your tires need to support that weight, so choose a load range that exceeds it.
Load range vs. load index for passenger cars
Passenger car tires don't use load range letters. Instead, they use a load index, which is a two- or three-digit number printed on the sidewall after the speed rating. For example, a tire marked "225/65R17 102H" has a load index of 102. Each number corresponds to a specific weight capacity in pounds.
If you drive a sedan, coupe, or hatchback, you'll be looking at load index, not load range. Load index numbers run from 0 to 150, with higher numbers meaning higher weight capacity. Your vehicle's door jamb sticker will tell you the minimum load index you need. You can choose a tire with a higher load index for extra durability, but you should never go below the manufacturer's recommendation.
Common mistakes when choosing load range
The most common mistake is buying tires with a load range lower than recommended to save money. A tire with load range C might cost less than a load range D, but if your truck needs a D, the C tire will overheat, wear unevenly, and fail sooner. You'll end up replacing them again in a year or two, which costs more in the long run.
Another mistake is assuming all tires of the same size have the same load range. They don't. A 225/75R16 tire might come in load range C, D, or E depending on the brand and model. Always check the sidewall or the product description before buying, and match it to what your vehicle needs.
A third mistake is confusing load range with tire quality or durability. A load range E tire is not automatically better than a load range C tire — it's just built to carry more weight. If your vehicle only needs a C, buying an E won't make your tires last longer or perform better. It will just cost more.
When to choose a higher load range than recommended
You might want to choose a load range higher than your manufacturer recommends if you regularly tow a trailer, haul heavy cargo, or carry multiple passengers plus equipment. Going up one load range (from C to D, for example) gives you extra capacity without major changes to how the tire performs.
Before you upgrade, calculate your actual load. Weigh your vehicle when fully loaded, including passengers and cargo. Add any trailer tongue weight if you tow. If that total is close to or exceeds what your current load range can handle, moving up one range is a practical choice. Just remember to inflate the tires to the pressure recommended for the higher load range — the door jamb sticker may have different pressures for different load ranges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a lower load range to save money?
No. Using a lower load range than your manufacturer recommends will cause the tires to overheat, wear unevenly, and fail prematurely. It also voids your warranty. The small savings upfront will cost you much more when you have to replace them early.
What happens if I use the wrong load range?
If the load range is too low, the tire will flex too much under your vehicle's weight, generate excess heat, and wear out quickly. If the load range is higher than needed, nothing bad happens — the tire will just cost more and perform the same as the correct range would.
Is load range the same as ply rating?
No. Load range is the actual weight capacity of the tire. Ply rating is the number of cord layers in the tire's structure. A tire with load range E typically has a 10-ply rating, but the load range is what matters for your vehicle's weight.
Where do I find the load range if my tires are already on my vehicle?
Check the sticker on the inside of your driver's door jamb, which lists your vehicle's recommended tire size and load range. You can also look in your owner's manual. If you need to see the actual tire sidewall, you can look at the bottom edge of the tire where it meets the wheel.
Do I need to change my tire pressure if I switch to a higher load range?
Possibly. Your door jamb sticker may list different recommended pressures for different load ranges. Check the sticker or your owner's manual to see if the pressure changes with the new load range, and adjust accordingly.