What is Tire Load Range?

Tire load range or tire ply rating helps identify the maximum load the tire can carry at its specified air pressure. In other words, it defines how much air the tire can hold and how much weight it can carry. Tire load range is used to separate tires with same size, but different strength due to internal construction. The stronger the tire construction, the more air pressure it can hold and more weight it can carry.

Where Can I Find My Tire Load Range?

Tire load range is imprinted on tire sidewall as a part of the tire size service description.

Why Is Tire Load Range Important?

Tires with higher load ranges can carry heavier loads, and usually are more durable. Tire load range is branded on tire sidewall. P-Metric tire sizes come in Light Load (LL), Standard Load (SL) to Extra Load (XL). Metric tire sizes come in Standard Load (SL), Reinforced (RF) or Extra Load (XL). If no load range is indicated, it is a Standard Load (SL) by default. Flotation, light truck and special trailer service tire sizes use load ranges that ascend in alphabetical order with stronger tires identified by letters further along in the alphabet. Ply rating is a little outdated, and today the number of plies just represents its equivalent strength. When switching to different tire sizes on your vehicle, tire load index and tire load range helps define the proper tire inflation for new tires. Make sure that tire load index on new tires is equal to or greater than on the original equipment tires to ensure that your new tires have sufficient load capacity to carry your vehicle’s weight.

P-Metric Tire Load Range Chart

Load Range		Max Inflation
LL	Light Load	35 psi (240 kPa)
SL	Standard Load	35 psi (240 kPa)
XL	Extra Load	41 psi (280 kPa)

Euro-Metric Tire Load Range Chart

Load Range		Max Inflation
SL	Standard Load	36 psi (250 kPa)
RF or XL	Reinforced or Extra Load	42 psi (290 kPa)

LT-Metric, LT-Numeric and Flotation Tire Load Range Chart

Load Range	Ply Rating	Max Inflation (≤ 295mm / 11.5" wide)	Max Inflation (> 295mm / 11.5" wide)
B	4	35 psi (240 kPa)	25 psi (170 kPa)
C	6	50 psi (350 kPa)	35 psi (240 kPa)
D	8	65 psi (450 kPa)	50 psi (350 kPa)
E	10	80 psi (550 kPa)	65 psi (450 kPa)
F	12	95 psi (650 kPa)	80 psi (550 kPa)
G	14	110 psi (750 kPa)	95 psi (650 kPa)

Euro-Metric Commercial Tire Load Range Chart

Load Index	Max Load	Max Inflation
116 / 114	2756 / 2602 lbs	69 psi (475 kPa)
118 / 116	2911 / 2756 lbs	75 psi (525 kPa)
121 / 120	3197 / 3087 lbs	83 psi (575 kPa)

ST-Metric Trailer Tire Load Range Chart

Load Range	Ply Rating	Max Inflation
B	4	35 psi (240 kPa)
C	6	50 psi (350 kPa)
D	8	65 psi (450 kPa)
E	10	80 psi (550 kPa)
F	12	95 psi (655 kPa)
G	14	110 psi (760 kPa)