Tyre speed rating and load index table

A code such as 91V at the end of a tyre size carries two separate pieces of information: the number is the load index and the letter is the speed rating. When buying new tyres, these two values must not be lower than those of the car's original tyres. On this page you'll find both tables and how to use them.

What is the load index?

The load index is a code for the maximum weight a tyre can carry on its own at the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. For the car's total carrying capacity, multiply this value by four. For example, four tyres with a load index of 91 carry about 2,460 kg in total.

Common load indices on passenger cars

IndexkgIndexkg
7538793650
7842594670
8045095690
8247596710
8450097730
8551598750
8653099775
87545100800
88560101825
89580102850
90600103875
91615104900
92630105925

Because SUVs and electric cars are heavy, they usually use tyres with a load index of 98 or higher. On electric cars you may also see tyres marked "HL" (High Load). These are built to carry a higher load in the same size.

What does XL mean?

Tyres marked XL (Extra Load) or Reinforced have a higher load index than the standard version of the same size. For example, 205/55 R16 may be 91 in the standard version and 94 in the XL version. XL tyres can only carry this extra load at a higher pressure. If your car's door label gives a separate pressure for XL, follow it.

What is the speed rating?

The speed rating shows the maximum speed a tyre can safely withstand at full load and the correct pressure. This does not mean you can drive at that speed continuously. It is a durability limit.

Letterkm/hLetterkm/h
L120S180
M130T190
N140H210
P150V240
Q160W270
R170Y300

Tyres marked ZR are suitable for speeds above 240 km/h. Today ZR is usually shown together with W or Y, for example 225/40 ZR18 92Y.

Which values should I choose?

  1. Don't go below the factory value. The load index and speed rating on the door label or in the owner's manual are the minimum.
  2. Choosing a higher one is fine. You can fit 94W instead of 91V. It will usually be firmer and slightly more expensive.
  3. Winter tyre exception: Winter tyres may use a lower rating than the factory speed rating (for example H instead of V). In this case it is recommended to place a label on the dashboard stating the tyre's speed limit. The load index, however, must still not drop.
  4. If you tow a trailer, take the load on the rear axle into account. The weight the trailer puts on the tow bar is added to the rear tyres as extra load.

Example

For an SUV whose door label shows 215/60 R17 96H:

More guides

How to read a tyre size, using 205/55 R16 91V as an exampleWhat each part of a sidewall code such as 205/55 R16 91V means, explained with a worked example.The door label: where is your car's factory tyre size shown?How to read the tyre label on the driver's door, why you shouldn't trust the tyres currently fitted, and other ways to find the factory size.Equivalent tyre sizes and the ±3% ruleWhy the overall diameter difference should not exceed 3% when fitting a tyre size other than the factory size, with worked examples.How to read wheel sizes: a guide to 7Jx17 ET45 5x112Wheel width, diameter, ET (offset), PCD (bolt pattern) and centre bore explained, plus what to check when choosing wheels for your car.How far does a wheel ET (offset) difference move the wheel?A step-by-step calculation of how far a wheel moves inwards and outwards when you fit a wheel with a different width and ET value.What should your tyre pressure be? Where is the correct value shown?Where to find your car's correct tyre pressure, bar and psi units, and how pressure changes with a loaded car and in winter.