Load index and speed rating explained

Where they appear

On a typical sidewall service description you might see something like 225/65R17 102H. Here, 102 is the load index and H is the speed rating symbol. Always confirm the exact marking on the tire you buy, not only the listing text.

Related fitment steps: start with the door placard, fill out the placard checklist, and keep cold PSI correct after mounting. TPMS service may also be needed when wheels or constructions change.

Load index (plain English)

Load index maps to a maximum load capacity per tire at a specified inflation condition defined by industry standards (TRA/ISO style tables used across the tire industry). A higher index generally means higher capacity, but you still must meet your vehicle’s requirements and set pressure correctly.

• Do not choose a lower load index than OEM specifies for your vehicle.
• Replacing only two tires? Match load capability and follow installer guidance on axle placement.
• Heavy vehicles, towing packages, and some EV trims may require XL / reinforced constructions. Check OEM docs.

Common passenger load indexes (educational excerpt)

The table below is a common-index excerpt for educational reference (approximate maximum load per tire). Values follow widely published TRA/ISO-style load-index charts. They are not a substitute for the tire maker’s load and inflation tables for your exact size and construction. Capacity assumes proper inflation and loading per the applicable standards. Confirm sidewall marks and OEM requirements with a licensed installer.

Load index	Approx. max load (lb)	Approx. max load (kg)
85	1,135	515
86	1,168	530
87	1,201	545
88	1,235	560
89	1,279	580
90	1,323	600
91	1,356	615
92	1,389	630
93	1,433	650
94	1,477	670
95	1,521	690
96	1,565	710
97	1,609	730
98	1,653	750
99	1,709	775
100	1,764	800
101	1,819	825
102	1,874	850
103	1,929	875
104	1,984	900
105	2,039	925
106	2,094	950
107	2,149	975
108	2,205	1,000
109	2,271	1,030
110	2,337	1,060
111	2,403	1,090
112	2,469	1,120

Example for illustration only: a tire marked 102H pairs load index 102 (about 1,874 lb / 850 kg on the common chart) with speed symbol H. Always read the actual sidewall and vehicle documentation.

Speed rating (plain English)

Speed symbols correspond to rated speeds under standardized conditions. They are not a license to drive at those speeds. Real-world limits include road law, tire condition, inflation, load, and vehicle capability.

Symbol	Approx. max rated speed (mph)	Approx. (km/h)	Shopping note
Q	99	160	Often seen on some winter or specialty applications
R	106	170	Less common on modern passenger all-seasons
S	112	180	Common on many touring / all-season applications
T	118	190	Very common passenger / touring fitment
H	130	210	Often on higher-performance touring fitments
V	149	240	Performance-oriented passenger applications
W	168	270	Higher-rated performance tires
Y	186	300	High-rated performance category

Mixing speed ratings across an axle is generally discouraged. Follow OEM and installer guidance, including when you replace only two tires.

XL / Extra Load (or Reinforced) vs standard load

XL (Extra Load) or Reinforced sidewall marks usually indicate a construction that can carry a higher load at a higher inflation than a standard-load (SL) tire in a comparable size family. Soft shopping notes:

• XL is still tied to a specific load index and inflation schedule. It is not a vague “stronger tire” claim you can invent numbers for.
• Replacement tires must still meet or exceed OEM load index and appropriate speed rating for your vehicle.
• Do not invent cold PSI from a blog. Use the door-placard cold PSI, the tire maker’s load/inflation tables for that size and construction, and a licensed installer.
• Some trims (including certain towing or EV packages) specify XL. Confirm in the owner’s manual and placard notes before you buy.

How to verify when shopping (checklist)

1. Copy size, cold PSI, and related notes from the door placard and owner’s manual. Use the placard checklist.
2. Match or exceed the OEM load index. Choose an appropriate speed rating that meets OEM guidance for your vehicle.
3. Confirm the sidewall service description on the actual tires (for example 102H), not only the catalog title.
4. Ask the installer about mixed ratings, two-tire replacements, axle placement, and TPMS sensor service.
5. Treat UTQG grades as a secondary shopping clue after size, load index, and speed rating clear the fitment gate. See also how to choose tire size.

TPMS and electronics

Changing wheels or tire constructions can interact with tire-pressure monitoring and other systems. Plan sensor service with your installer. Soft reminder: TPMS alerts are not a substitute for monthly cold-pressure checks against the placard. Temporary spare caveats are covered in the TPMS spare tire section.

Informational only. We have not lab-tested your tires or vehicle. Always verify size, load index, speed rating, and inflation against the placard, OEM docs, and the tire maker’s tables, and use a licensed professional for mounting and balancing.