The load index is a number that tells you the maximum weight each tire can safely carry
The load index is a two or three-digit number printed on your tire's sidewall that corresponds to the maximum weight that single tire can support. It appears right after the tire size in the sidewall code — for example, a tire marked 225/65R17 95H has a load index of 95. That number 95 translates to a specific weight capacity, in this case 1,521 pounds per tire.
The load index matters because it determines whether a tire is safe for your vehicle. Your car, truck, or SUV has a maximum weight it can carry — its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) — and the tires you install must be rated to handle that weight when fully loaded with passengers, cargo, and fuel. If you install tires with a load index too low for your vehicle, you risk tire failure, blowouts, and loss of control.
The load index is separate from the tire's speed rating (the letter that follows it, like the H in the example above). Both numbers matter, but they measure different things: load index is about weight capacity, speed rating is about how fast the tire can safely go.
Key Takeaways
- The load index is a number on your tire's sidewall that corresponds to the maximum weight each tire can carry, measured in pounds.
- You must match your tire's load index to your vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, which you can find in your owner's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb.
- Load index numbers range from 71 to 126, with higher numbers meaning higher weight capacity.
- Installing tires with a load index lower than your vehicle requires can cause tire failure, even if the tire size looks correct.
- The load index is printed on the tire sidewall when ready after the tire size and before the speed rating letter.
How to find your tire's load index
Look at the sidewall of any tire on your vehicle. You will see a code that looks something like this: 225/65R17 95H. The numbers and letters break down as follows: 225 is the tire width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width), R means radial construction, 17 is the wheel diameter in inches, 95 is the load index, and H is the speed rating.
The load index always appears as a number between the tire size and the speed rating letter. If your tire reads 235/55R18 100V, the load index is 100. If it reads 205/60R16 92T, the load index is 92. Once you have the number, you can look it up on a load index chart to find the weight capacity in pounds.
You can also find the load index in your vehicle's owner's manual or on the tire placard — a sticker usually located on the inside of the driver's door jamb or on the fuel door. The placard lists the recommended tire size and load index for your specific vehicle.
Understanding load index numbers and what they mean
Load index numbers run from 71 to 126, though most passenger vehicles use indexes between 75 and 105. Each number corresponds to a specific weight capacity. A load index of 75 means the tire can carry 853 pounds; a load index of 95 means 1,521 pounds; a load index of 110 means 2,337 pounds. The relationship is not linear — each step up does not add the same amount of weight.
Higher load index numbers are not automatically better. Your tires must match your vehicle's needs, not exceed them. A pickup truck that requires a load index of 110 needs tires rated for 110 or higher. A sedan that requires a load index of 92 should use tires rated for 92 or higher, but a tire rated for 110 is unnecessary and may change how the vehicle handles.
When you buy replacement tires, you must match or exceed the load index on your vehicle's tire placard. If your placard says 95, you can use a tire with a load index of 95, 96, 97, or higher. You cannot use a tire with a load index of 94 or lower, even if the tire size looks identical.
Where to find your vehicle's required load index
Your vehicle's required load index is printed on the tire placard, a white or yellow sticker usually found on the inside of the driver's door jamb. Open the driver's door and look at the edge of the door frame where it meets the body of the car. The placard lists the recommended tire size and load index for your vehicle under normal conditions.
If you cannot find the placard on the door jamb, check the fuel door, the inside of the glove box, or the owner's manual. The manual will specify the correct tire size and load index for your vehicle. Some vehicles have multiple recommended tire sizes, each with its own load index, depending on whether you want a softer ride or better handling.
Do not rely on the tires currently on your vehicle to determine the correct load index. The previous owner may have installed the wrong size. Always check the placard or manual to be certain.
Why load index matters for safety
A tire's load index is a safety rating based on how the tire was constructed and tested. Tires with higher load indexes have stiffer sidewalls and are built to handle more weight without deforming excessively. When you overload a tire — by installing one with a load index too low for your vehicle — the sidewalls flex too much, heat builds up inside the tire, and the rubber can fail suddenly.
Overloaded tires wear faster, generate more heat, and are more prone to blowouts, especially on highways or in hot weather. The risk increases if you are carrying passengers and cargo that bring your vehicle close to its maximum weight. A tire rated for 1,400 pounds that is asked to carry 1,500 pounds is working beyond its design limits.
Load index also affects how your vehicle handles. Tires that are underrated for your vehicle may not provide the same level of support and stability, particularly during cornering or emergency maneuvers. Using the correct load index ensures your tires perform as the vehicle manufacturer intended.
Load index versus speed rating
The load index and speed rating are two separate pieces of information on your tire's sidewall, and both matter. The load index (the number) tells you the maximum weight the tire can carry. The speed rating (the letter) tells you the maximum speed the tire can sustain safely. A tire marked 225/65R17 95H has a load index of 95 and a speed rating of H, which means it can safely carry 1,521 pounds per tire and maintain speeds up to 130 mph.
When you replace your tires, you must match or exceed both the load index and the speed rating on your vehicle's placard. If your placard specifies 95H, you can use a tire rated 95H, 96H, 95V, or any combination where both numbers meet or exceed the requirement. You cannot use a tire rated 95G (lower speed rating) or 94H (lower load index), even though one of the two numbers matches.
Common mistakes when checking load index
The most common mistake is confusing tire size with load index. A tire that is the same size as your original tire is not necessarily the same load index. Two tires can both be 225/65R17 but have different load indexes — one might be 95 and another might be 98. You must check the actual number on the sidewall, not assume it based on size alone.
Another mistake is installing tires rated higher than necessary and assuming that is always safer. While a higher load index does not hurt, it may change the tire's ride quality or handling characteristics. The goal is to match your vehicle's requirements, not to buy the highest-rated tire available.
A third mistake is checking only one tire's load index. All four tires on your vehicle should have the same load index (or higher). If you replace only two tires, the new tires must meet the same load index as the originals, or all four should be replaced together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a tire with a higher load index than my vehicle requires?
Yes, you can use a tire with a higher load index than your placard specifies. The higher rating straightforward means the tire is built to handle more weight than your vehicle needs. However, it may slightly change how the tire feels or performs, so matching the recommended load index is usually the best choice.
What happens if I use a tire with a lower load index than required?
Using a tire with a lower load index than your vehicle requires is unsafe. The tire will flex excessively under your vehicle's weight, generate excessive heat, and is at risk of failure or blowout. This is especially dangerous on highways or in hot weather. Always use a load index that meets or exceeds your vehicle's requirement.
Is load index the same as load range?
No. Load index is used for passenger car tires and is a number that corresponds to a specific weight capacity. Load range is used for light truck and trailer tires and is expressed as a letter (A, B, C, D, E, F). They serve the same purpose but use different rating systems. Check your placard to see which system applies to your vehicle.
Do I need to replace all four tires if I want to change the load index?
If you are replacing all four tires, you can choose any load index that meets or exceeds your vehicle's requirement. If you are replacing only two tires, the new tires should match the load index of the remaining two. Mixing load indexes on the same vehicle is not recommended because it can affect handling and stability.
Where is the load index printed on the tire?
The load index is printed on the tire's sidewall as part of the tire size code. It appears as a number when ready after the tire size (like 225/65R17) and when ready before the speed rating letter (like H). You can see it by looking at the side of the tire where the size information is molded into the rubber.