Tire Load Range & Ply Rating Chart
Light-truck, trailer and some SUV tires are rated by load range — a letter that replaced the old ply count. A Load Range E tire is "10-ply rated": built to the strength of ten old cotton plies, though modern tires reach it with two or three steel and polyester plies. Higher load ranges carry more weight at higher inflation pressure and ride firmer.
| Load range | Ply rating | Max inflation (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| B | 4-ply | 35 psi |
| C | 6-ply | 50 psi |
| D | 8-ply | 65 psi |
| E | 10-ply | 80 psi |
| F | 12-ply | 95 psi |
| G | 14-ply | 110 psi |
| H | 16-ply | 120 psi |
| J | 18-ply | 130 psi |
| L | 20-ply | 140 psi |
Which load range do I need?
Half-ton trucks and SUVs usually use P-metric or Load Range C / D tires. Three-quarter-ton and one-ton trucks that tow or haul use LT tires in Load Range E; Load Range F and G appear on heavier pickups and trailer tires; G through L are commercial truck ratings. Follow the placard, and never go below it on a truck that tows.
XL (Extra Load)
Passenger tires don't use load ranges; an XL or Extra Load passenger tire is rated for higher pressure (up to 42 psi) and more load than the standard-load version of the same size.
Read next: load index chart · how to read a tire size.