The load index is a number that tells you the maximum weight each tire can safely carry
Every tire has a load index printed on its sidewall — a two or three-digit number that represents the heaviest load that single tire can support at its rated air pressure. It is not the weight of your vehicle. It is the weight one tire must handle, which depends on how that weight is distributed across all four tires, the suspension, and the axles.
The load index appears on the tire's sidewall right after the tire size. For example, a tire marked 225/65R17 95H has a load index of 95. That number corresponds to a specific weight capacity — in this case, 1,521 pounds per tire. If you see a tire marked with two numbers separated by a slash, like 95/92, the first number is the load index when the tire is used on a single rear axle, and the second is for a dual rear axle setup.
Matching your tires to your vehicle's actual weight requirements is not optional. Using tires with a load index too low for your vehicle creates a safety hazard: the tires can overheat, fail suddenly, and cause loss of control. Using tires with a higher load index than necessary is fine — it straightforward means you have a safety margin — but you cannot go below what your vehicle requires.
Key Takeaways
- The load index is a number on the tire sidewall that corresponds to a specific weight capacity, measured in pounds per tire.
- You must match your replacement tires to the load index specified on your vehicle's driver's door jamb or owner's manual, not to the load index of your old tires.
- A load index that is too low for your vehicle can cause tire overheating, blowouts, and loss of control.
- The load index works together with tire pressure and speed rating to determine safe tire performance.
How to find your vehicle's required load index
Your vehicle's manufacturer specifies the minimum load index your tires must have. This information is not on the tire itself — it is on your vehicle. Open the driver's side door and look at the door jamb (the frame around the door opening). You will see a label, usually white or silver, with tire and loading information printed on it. This label lists the tire size and load index your vehicle requires.
If you cannot find the label on the door jamb, check your owner's manual. The manual will list the original tire specifications, including the load index. Some vehicles also print this information inside the fuel door or on the inside of the trunk lid.
The load index on that label is the minimum your replacement tires must meet. If your vehicle requires a load index of 95, you can buy tires with a load index of 95, 96, 97, or higher. You cannot buy tires with a load index of 94 or lower — they are not safe for your vehicle, regardless of how much you paid for them or how good the reviews are.
Understanding load index numbers and their weight equivalents
Load index numbers run from 0 to 150, though most passenger vehicles use indexes between 75 and 105. Each number represents a specific weight capacity. The relationship is not linear — the numbers do not increase by the same weight increment each time. A load index of 90 does not mean half the capacity of a load index of 180.
Here are some common load indexes and their weight capacities:
| Load Index | Weight Per Tire (pounds) | Typical Vehicle Type |
|---|---|---|
| 75 | 853 | Compact sedans |
| 85 | 1,135 | Mid-size sedans |
| 95 | 1,521 | Full-size sedans, crossovers |
| 105 | 2,039 | Large SUVs, trucks |
| 115 | 2,679 | Heavy-duty trucks |
To find the exact weight capacity for any load index, you can look up a load index chart online or ask a tire retailer. The key point is that you need to know your vehicle's requirement and match it or exceed it — never go below it.
Load index versus speed rating
The load index and speed rating are two separate pieces of information on your tire sidewall, and both matter for safety. The load index tells you weight capacity; the speed rating tells you the maximum speed the tire can handle safely. They are printed together but measure different things.
A tire marked 225/65R17 95H has a load index of 95 and a speed rating of H (which means 130 mph maximum). If you replace your tires, you need to match or exceed both numbers. You cannot buy a tire with the right load index but a lower speed rating if your vehicle originally had a higher speed rating.
In practice, most replacement tires for passenger vehicles come with speed ratings equal to or higher than the original, so this is rarely a problem. But it is worth checking when you order tires online or from a discount retailer, because some budget tire options may have lower speed ratings.
What happens if you use the wrong load index
Using tires with a load index lower than your vehicle requires creates real safety risks. When a tire carries more weight than its load index allows, the internal structure of the tire works harder than it was designed to. The tire heats up excessively, the rubber degrades faster, and the risk of a blowout increases dramatically.
Underloaded tires (using tires with a higher load index than necessary) do not create a safety problem — the tire straightforward has extra capacity it does not need. This is why it is always safe to go up in load index, but never safe to go down.
If you are unsure whether a tire meets your vehicle's requirements, do not guess. Call a tire shop or look up the load index chart. The cost of a phone call is far less than the cost of a blowout on the highway.
Load index for trailers and specialty vehicles
If you own a trailer, the load index requirement works the same way — the trailer's documentation specifies the minimum load index the tires must have. Trailer tires are often marked with a load range letter (like C, D, or E) instead of a load index number, but the principle is identical: you must match or exceed what the trailer manufacturer specifies.
Trucks and SUVs that tow or carry heavy loads may have different load index requirements for the front and rear axles. The door jamb label will specify both. Some vehicles also have a note about load index changes if you add a roof rack, cargo carrier, or other equipment that shifts weight distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use tires with a higher load index than my vehicle requires?
Yes. A higher load index straightforward means the tire has more capacity than your vehicle needs. This does not harm the tire or your vehicle. It is always safe to go up in load index, but never safe to go down.
Where exactly is the load index printed on the tire?
The load index is on the sidewall of the tire, printed as part of the tire size designation. It appears after the tire width, aspect ratio, and construction type. For example, in "225/65R17 95H", the 95 is the load index and the H is the speed rating.
Do all four tires need the same load index?
Yes. All four tires on your vehicle should have the same load index. Some trucks with dual rear axles may use different load indexes front and rear, but this is specified on your vehicle's door jamb label. Never mix load indexes on the same axle.
What is the difference between load index and load range?
Load index is a number (like 95) used on most passenger vehicle tires. Load range is a letter (like C, D, or E) used on truck and trailer tires. Both indicate weight capacity, but they use different rating systems. Check your vehicle's door jamb to see which system applies to your vehicle.
If I add weight to my vehicle, do I need different tires?
Not necessarily. Your vehicle's load index is already calculated to handle the vehicle's maximum capacity, including passengers and cargo. However, if you are adding a permanent modification like a heavy roof rack or camper shell, check your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to see if the load index requirement changes.