When most people shop for new tires, they pay attention to size, tread type, and maybe even the speed rating. But there’s another number on your tire’s sidewall that’s just as important: the Tire Load Index.
This number tells you how much weight your tires can safely carry when properly inflated. If you ignore it, you could end up overloading your tires, which can cause dangerous blowouts, faster wear, and even serious accidents.
In this guide, we’ll break down what tire load index means, why it matters, how to read it, and which rating is right for your vehicle. We’ll also give you a handy chart to help you quickly understand what the numbers mean.
What Is a Tire Load Index?
The Tire Load Index (LI) is a standardized number that represents the maximum load a tire can carry at its maximum rated air pressure.
It doesn’t show the actual weight in pounds or kilograms—just a code. To know how much weight the number represents, you have to use a reference chart.
For example:
- A tire with load index 91 can carry up to 1,356 pounds.
- A tire with load index 104 can carry up to 1,984 pounds.
The higher the number, the more weight the tire can support.
Why Tire Load Index Matters
1. Safety
Your tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road. If they are overloaded, heat builds up inside them. This can cause sudden tire failure, which is especially dangerous at highway speeds.
2. Vehicle Performance
Manufacturers design cars, SUVs, and trucks with a recommended load index that matches the weight of the vehicle plus cargo and passengers. If you choose a tire with a lower index, your handling, braking, and overall performance will suffer.
3. Longevity
Overloaded tires wear out faster and unevenly. Using the correct load index helps you get the full life out of your tires.
4. Compliance
Most warranties require that your replacement tires meet or exceed the original load index. Installing the wrong ones can void coverage and may even violate vehicle safety regulations.
How to Read the Load Index on Your Tire
The load index appears after the tire size on the sidewall. For example:
P225/50R17 94V
- 94 = Load Index
- V = Speed Rating
That “94” tells you how much weight the tire can carry. According to the chart, load index 94 means 1,477 pounds per tire.
For light truck tires, you may see something like LT245/75R16 108/104Q. The 108/104 shows two ratings: one for single tires and one for dual tires (used on dually trucks).
Tire Load Index Chart
Here’s a quick reference chart with common load index numbers and their maximum load capacities per tire (in pounds):
| Load Index | Max Load (lbs) |
|---|---|
| 85 | 1,135 |
| 88 | 1,235 |
| 90 | 1,323 |
| 91 | 1,356 |
| 92 | 1,389 |
| 94 | 1,477 |
| 96 | 1,565 |
| 98 | 1,653 |
| 100 | 1,764 |
| 102 | 1,874 |
| 104 | 1,984 |
| 106 | 2,094 |
| 108 | 2,205 |
| 110 | 2,337 |
| 112 | 2,469 |
| 115 | 2,679 |
| 120 | 3,086 |
Tip: Multiply the number by four to see your vehicle’s total load capacity across all tires. For example, four tires with load index 100 (1,764 lbs each) provide a total load capacity of 7,056 lbs.
Passenger vs. Light Truck Tires
Load index works slightly differently for Passenger (P-metric) tires compared to Light Truck (LT) tires.
Passenger (P-metric) Tires
- Typically used on sedans, minivans, and small SUVs.
- Load index is a single number (e.g., 94).
- Designed for lighter loads and everyday driving.
Light Truck (LT) Tires
- Built for pickups, vans, and SUVs that carry heavier loads or tow trailers.
- May display two numbers (e.g., 108/104).
- Often paired with load range letters (C, D, E, etc.) to indicate construction strength and inflation pressure requirements.
Example:
An LT tire marked E-load range can handle much heavier loads at higher pressures than a standard P-metric tire, even if the numbers look similar.
Load Index vs. Load Range
It’s easy to confuse Load Index with Load Range, but they’re not the same.
- Load Index = Maximum weight a tire can carry (numeric code).
- Load Range = Tire construction and ply strength (letters like C, D, E).
Both matter when choosing truck or trailer tires, especially if you haul heavy equipment or tow frequently.
Choosing the Right Load Index for Your Vehicle
1. Check Your Vehicle Placard
Look inside the driver’s door or in your owner’s manual. It will list the manufacturer’s recommended tire size and load index.
2. Never Go Lower
Always match or exceed the original load index. A lower rating can put you at serious risk.
3. Consider Your Usage
- If you tow a boat or camper, go with a higher load index for added safety.
- For commercial vehicles, always choose tires that can handle the maximum payload.
4. Balance With Speed Rating
Tires also have a speed rating (the letter after the load index). If you go up in load index, make sure the speed rating still matches your driving needs.
Real-World Example
Let’s say you drive a mid-size SUV with a stock tire size of 255/65R18 109T.
- The load index 109 = 2,271 lbs per tire.
- Multiply by four tires = 9,084 lbs total capacity.
If you replace those with tires that only have a load index of 102 (1,874 lbs each), your total capacity drops to 7,496 lbs—over 1,500 lbs less than recommended. That could mean trouble if your SUV is fully loaded with passengers, luggage, or towing a trailer.
Load Index and Tire Inflation
The load index rating is only valid when the tire is inflated to its maximum pressure. Underinflation reduces the load a tire can safely handle, even if the index is correct.
Always check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. A tire that’s 5–10 psi underinflated can’t carry the load it was designed for, leading to overheating and premature wear.
Common Myths About Load Index
- “A higher load index always means a stronger tire.”
Not always—construction quality, tread design, and inflation matter too. - “It’s okay to drop a few points in load index to save money.”
Wrong. Even a small reduction can compromise safety. - “Passenger tires with high load indexes can replace LT tires.”
Not necessarily—LT tires are built with reinforced sidewalls and higher pressure requirements.
The tire load index isn’t just another number on the sidewall—it’s one of the most important indicators of safety, performance, and reliability. Choosing the correct load index ensures your tires can support the weight of your vehicle, passengers, and cargo.
At Dan the Tire Man, we make it simple. Whether you’re driving a compact sedan, a family SUV, or a work truck loaded with gear, we stock tires with the right load indexes for your vehicle. And with our flexible $0–49 down, no hard credit check financing, upgrading your tires has never been easier.
Drive safe, carry the right load, and keep your tires working for you—not against you.
