The load index is a number that tells you the maximum weight a single tire can safely carry

Every tire has a load index printed on its sidewall — a two or three-digit number that appears right after the tire's width and aspect ratio. This number corresponds to a specific weight capacity in pounds or kilograms. For example, a load index of 95 means that tire can carry a maximum of 1,521 pounds when inflated to its recommended pressure. The higher the number, the more weight the tire can support.

Load index matters because using a tire rated for less weight than your vehicle actually carries puts dangerous stress on the tire. It can overheat, wear unevenly, fail suddenly, or contribute to poor handling. Conversely, you do not need to buy tires with an unnecessarily high load index — it just costs more. The right load index matches what your vehicle actually needs.

Key Takeaways

  • The load index is a number on the tire sidewall that corresponds to maximum weight capacity, found in a standardized chart that converts numbers to pounds.
  • Your vehicle's door jamb or owner's manual lists the load index your tires must meet, not a suggestion you can ignore.
  • The load index applies to each individual tire, so a vehicle with four tires rated 95 can carry four times the weight of a single tire rated 95.
  • Load index is separate from speed rating — a tire can have a high load index and low speed rating, or vice versa.

Where to find the load index on your tire

Open your driver's side door and look at the label on the door jamb — this is the easiest place to find what load index you need. The label lists tire size and load index together. If the label is missing or hard to read, your vehicle's owner's manual has the same information in the tire specifications section.

On the tire itself, the load index appears in the sidewall marking after the tire size. A marking might read "225/65R17 102H" — the 102 is the load index, and the H is the speed rating. The sidewall also shows the maximum load in pounds or kilograms, though this assumes the tire is inflated to its maximum rated pressure, not your vehicle's recommended pressure. Always use the load index number and your vehicle's recommended inflation pressure together, not the tire's maximum pressure.

How load index numbers convert to actual weight

Load index uses a standardized chart maintained by tire manufacturers. The chart runs from index 0 (99 pounds) to index 150 (7,385 pounds), though most passenger vehicles fall between 75 and 105. Each number increment represents a specific weight jump — the increases are not even, so you cannot estimate by guessing.

Common load indexes for passenger vehicles are 91 (1,356 pounds), 95 (1,521 pounds), 100 (1,764 pounds), and 104 (1,984 pounds). A truck or SUV might have 110 (2,337 pounds) or higher. If you need to know the exact weight for a specific load index, tire retailers and manufacturer websites publish the full conversion chart. The important thing is that your replacement tires must meet or exceed the load index listed on your vehicle's door jamb — never go lower.

Why load index matters for your specific vehicle

Your vehicle's weight is not evenly distributed. The front axle carries more weight than the rear, so front tires often have a higher load index than rear tires. Some vehicles also have different load indexes for the same axle if the tires are different sizes. The door jamb label accounts for all of this — it tells you exactly what each position needs.

If you install tires with a load index lower than specified, you are asking each tire to carry more weight than it is designed for. This causes the tire to flex more than intended, generating excess heat and accelerating wear. In extreme cases, the tire can fail suddenly. Conversely, if you buy tires with a higher load index than you need, you pay extra for capacity you will never use — though there is no safety penalty to going higher.

Load index versus speed rating

Load index and speed rating are two separate numbers on the tire sidewall, and they do not depend on each other. A tire can have a high load index and a low speed rating, or vice versa. The speed rating (the letter after the load index) tells you the maximum speed the tire can sustain safely — an H-rated tire is good to 130 mph, while a T-rated tire maxes out at 118 mph.

When you replace tires, you need to match or exceed both numbers. If your vehicle's door jamb says 95H, you need a load index of at least 95 and a speed rating of at least H. A tire rated 95T would fail on speed rating. A tire rated 94H would fail on load index. Both matter, and both are non-negotiable for safety.

What happens if you use the wrong load index

Using tires with too low a load index creates when ready risk. The tire works harder to support the same weight, generating heat faster and wearing the tread unevenly. Sidewalls can develop bulges or blisters. Blowouts become more likely, especially on long drives or in hot weather. Handling and braking also suffer because the tire is not performing as designed.

Using tires with too high a load index is not dangerous — it just costs more money upfront. Some drivers choose higher-index tires if they frequently carry heavy loads or tow, even if their vehicle's specification is lower. This is a choice, not a requirement. What is not a choice is going below the specification — that is unsafe and can void your vehicle's warranty.

How to find replacement tires with the correct load index

Start with your vehicle's door jamb label or owner's manual to confirm the exact tire size and load index you need. Write down the full specification — for example, "225/65R17 102H" — and bring it with you or use it when shopping online. Tire retailers can search their inventory by this specification, and most websites have a filter for load index.

When you see a tire listed, the sidewall marking will show the load index. Match it to your specification. If a retailer does not have the exact tire in stock, they can order it. Do not accept a tire with a lower load index just because it is available now — the cost savings are not worth the safety risk. If you need a higher load index for some reason, that is fine, but lower is not an option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different load indexes on the front and rear of my vehicle?

Yes, if your vehicle's door jamb label specifies different indexes for front and rear, that is exactly what you should do. Many vehicles have higher load indexes on the front because the engine and transmission add weight there. Always follow what the label says for each position.

Does load index change if I inflate my tires to a different pressure?

The load index number itself does not change, but the actual weight capacity does. Load index assumes the tire is inflated to its maximum rated pressure, which is higher than your vehicle's recommended pressure. Always inflate to your vehicle's recommended pressure, listed on the door jamb, and use the load index as your guide for which tires to buy — not as a real-world weight limit.

What if I tow a trailer — do I need a higher load index?

The load index on your tires must support your vehicle's weight plus any cargo or trailer weight you regularly carry. If you tow, check your vehicle's manual for the recommended tire load index when towing, which may be higher than the base specification. Some vehicles have different door jamb labels for towing versus non-towing use.

Is load index the same as load range?

No. Load index is a number that converts to weight capacity. Load range is a letter (A, B, C, D, E) used mainly for truck and trailer tires to indicate ply rating and how much air pressure the tire can hold. Passenger car tires use load index; heavy-duty tires may use load range instead. Check your door jamb to see which system applies to your vehicle.

Can I mix tire brands if they have the same load index?

Yes, as long as all four tires meet or exceed your vehicle's load index and speed rating specifications. Mixing brands is fine. Mixing load indexes on the same axle is not — front tires should match each other, and rear tires should match each other, and each pair should meet the specification for that position.