LT vs P metric tires: load ranges, pressure and when a truck needs LT
Short answer: P metric tires are passenger tires; LT tires are light truck tires with stronger construction, a load range letter (C, D or E) and higher pressures. An LT tire usually needs more air than the placard to carry the same load as the original passenger tire, and a passenger tire is rated about 10 percent lower on a light truck. Never mix the two on one vehicle.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
How to tell them apart
- P metric: a P before the size, such as P225/70R16 97H. Bridgestone describes this as a Tire and Rim Association passenger car designation used on cars, minivans, SUVs and lighter pickups.
- Euro metric: no letter in front, such as 225/70R16 98H. Also a passenger tire, under the European ETRTO standard.
- LT metric: LT in front, such as LT245/75R17 119/116R Load Range E. Two load index numbers (single and dual use) plus a load range.
- C type commercial: a C after the rim size, with two load index numbers. The European light truck and van equivalent.
Bridgestone notes that load index numbers are not always on the same scale across standards, so check the actual load in pounds or kilograms, not just the index. See our load index and speed rating guide.
Load range C, D and E
Load range replaced the old ply rating, and the ply number is now an equivalent strength rating rather than a count of plies. Tire Review gives the inflation each load range is built for:
| Load range | Old rating | Max load pressure |
|---|---|---|
| C | 6 ply rated | 50 psi (350 kPa) |
| D | 8 ply rated | 65 psi (450 kPa) |
| E | 10 ply rated | 80 psi (550 kPa) |
Source: Tire Review. Some LT sizes, especially very wide flotation sizes, are rated at different pressures, so the maximum molded on your sidewall always wins. USTMA notes that light truck tires for vehicles up to 10,000 lb GVWR typically come in load ranges B through E.
Passenger tire load on a truck: quick check
Enter the maximum load molded on your P metric or Euro metric tire's sidewall. This applies the USTMA 1.10 rule for light truck use. It runs entirely in your browser and nothing is sent or stored.
General explanation only. Always confirm with the vehicle placard, owner's manual, tire maker or a professional tire dealer.
Why LT tires need more air for the same load
Light truck and passenger tires follow different load and pressure tables. USTMA says replacing passenger tires with light truck tires requires a significant inflation pressure adjustment to carry the same load as the original size. Tire Review gives a worked example: an original P265/75R16 114S carries 2,601 lb at 35 psi, and an LT265/75R16 must run at 50 psi to carry that load, whether it is load range C, D or E.
There is a second adjustment too. USTMA says a passenger tire's load capacity must be divided by 1.10 when it is used on a light truck. Its example P265/70R17 is rated 2,535 lb in passenger use and 2,305 lb in a light truck application. The checker above does that sum for you.
Bridgestone recommends at least 35 psi for LT tires and says that if your truck has TPMS you should work with your installer on any special considerations for the new pressure. See our TPMS guide.
Swapping between P metric and LT
- P metric to LT: often possible. USTMA says to check with the vehicle maker that the wheels suit the higher pressure, check rim width and clearance, and get the adjusted pressure and load rating from the vehicle maker, tire maker or a professional dealer.
- LT to P metric: USTMA does not recommend it unless the vehicle maker specifies it.
- Mixing: USTMA says never mix passenger and light truck tires, including C type tires, on the same vehicle.
- Payload: Bridgestone is clear that LT tires do not raise the vehicle's load capacity. The ratings on the door placard still set the limit.
Why switch at all? Bridgestone lists heavy duty construction for bruise and impact resistance, cut and chip resistant tread, off road tread designs and better handling under heavy load. Tire Review notes the trade offs: more weight, a stiffer ride, higher rolling resistance and lower fuel economy. Compare passenger load markings in our XL vs SL guide, and start with how to choose the right tire size.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between LT and P metric tires?
P metric tires, with a P before the size, are passenger tires standardized by the Tire and Rim Association for cars, minivans, SUVs and lighter pickups. LT metric tires, with LT before the size, are light truck tires built for heavier loads; they run at higher pressures and carry two load index numbers and a load range letter.
What do load range C, D and E mean?
Load range is the light truck strength rating that replaced ply ratings. For most LT sizes, load range C reaches maximum load at 50 psi, D at 65 psi and E at 80 psi. The old ply numbers (6, 8 and 10 ply) no longer mean the actual number of plies.
Why does an LT tire have two load index numbers?
As in LT245/75R17 119/116R, the first number is the load index when the tire is used singly and the second is for dual rear wheels. Passenger tires have one number because they cannot be used in a dual application.
Can I put LT tires on a truck that came with P metric tires?
Often yes, but the LT tire usually needs higher pressure than the placard to carry the same load. USTMA says to check that the wheels suit the higher pressure and to get the adjusted pressure and load rating from the vehicle maker, tire maker or a professional dealer. Bridgestone notes LT tires do not raise the vehicle's own load capacity.
Can I replace LT tires with P metric tires?
Not unless the vehicle maker says so. USTMA does not recommend replacing original equipment LT metric, LT flotation or C type commercial tires with P metric or Euro metric passenger tires.
Can I mix LT and P metric tires on the same vehicle?
No. USTMA says never to mix P metric or metric passenger tires with light truck tires, including C type European commercial tires, on the same vehicle.
Why is a P metric tire rated lower on a truck?
USTMA says a passenger tire's load capacity must be divided by 1.10 when it is used on a light truck. Its example P265/70R17 carries 2535 lb in passenger use but 2305 lb in a light truck application.
Sources
- USTMA, Care and Service of Passenger and Light Truck Tires (PDF): passenger tire load divided by 1.10 for light truck applications (P265/70R17 example, 2535 lb to 2305 lb); replacing passenger tires with LT tires needs a significant pressure adjustment and wheel checks; do not replace OE LT tires with P metric unless the vehicle maker specifies; never mix passenger and LT tires on one vehicle; LT load ranges B to E for vehicles up to 10,000 lb GVWR
- Bridgestone Americas, How to Read and Determine Tire Size: P metric and Euro metric passenger formats; LT metric and C type light truck formats; single and dual load index numbers; load range as an older term; load index scales differ between standards
- Bridgestone Americas, Light Truck and SUV Tire Information: benefits of switching to LT tires do not include more vehicle load capacity; LT tires may need higher than placard pressure to carry the same load; TPMS considerations; 35 psi minimum recommended for LT tires
- Bridgestone, Tire Terminology: definition of the LT metric sizing system, for example LT235/85R16 120/116Q E
- Tire Review, Tire Types and Load Capacity: load range C, D and E inflate to 50, 65 and 80 psi (old 6, 8 and 10 ply); LT construction and trade offs; P265/75R16 114S at 35 psi needs an LT265/75R16 at 50 psi to carry the same load