Load Range & Ply Rating Converter
Convert LT and trailer tire Load Range letters to ply rating, typical max PSI, and common applications.
QUICK EXAMPLE
A Load Range E LT tire (very common on 3/4‑ton and 1‑ton pickups) is equivalent to a 10‑ply rating and typically carries its maximum load at up to 80 PSI (single). That gives it much higher load capacity than a Load Range C tire (about 6‑ply, ~50 PSI) on the same size. Use this tool when choosing tires for trucks, trailers, vans, RVs, or commercial vehicles where load range and inflation pressure really matter.
Load Range
E
Ply Rating
10
PR
Max Pressure
80
PSI
Max Pressure
5.5
bar
Typical Application
Light trucks, pickups, full-size SUVs
Never exceed the max inflation pressure stamped on the tire. Always match or exceed your vehicle's OEM load range requirement.
Full Load Range Reference
| Range | Ply Rating | Max PSI | Max bar | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B | 4 PR | 35 | 2.4 | Compact passenger cars & temporary spare tires |
| C | 6 PR | 50 | 3.5 | Vans, minivans, light trailers & cargo vehicles |
| D | 8 PR | 65 | 4.5 | Light trucks & cargo vans (medium loads) |
| E | 10 PR | 80 | 5.5 | Light trucks, pickups, full-size SUVs |
| F | 12 PR | 95 | 6.5 | Heavy-duty pickups & large cargo trailers |
| G | 14 PR | 110 | 7.6 | Medium-duty trucks & heavy commercial trailers |
| H | 16 PR | 120 | 8.3 | Heavy-duty trucks & semi-trailer axles |
| J | 18 PR | 130 | 9 | Commercial trucks & bus drive axles |
| L | 20 PR | 140 | 9.7 | Commercial truck steer & trailer axles |
| M | 22 PR | 150 | 10.3 | Heavy commercial trucks & coach buses |
| N | 24 PR | 160 | 11 | Very heavy commercial & industrial applications |
AI Insight
Powered by AIGet a plain-English explanation of your results — what they mean for your vehicle and driving experience.
Load Range to Ply Rating & Typical Max PSI
| Load Range | Ply Rating (Equivalent) | Typical Max PSI (Single) | Typical Max PSI (Dual) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Load (SL) | 4‑ply rating | 35–36 | — | Passenger cars, crossovers (comfort‑focused) |
| Extra Load (XL) | 4‑ply rating | 41–42 | — | Heavier passenger vehicles, some SUVs / EVs |
| C | 6‑ply rating | 50 | 40–45 | Small / midsize SUVs, light trucks, smaller trailers |
| D | 8‑ply rating | 65 | 55–60 | Half‑ton / heavy‑duty pickups, larger trailers |
| E | 10‑ply rating | 80 | 65–70 | 3/4‑ton & 1‑ton trucks, heavy towing, many RVs |
| F | 12‑ply rating | 90–95 | 80 | Commercial trucks, large fifth‑wheel & equipment trailers |
| G | 14‑ply rating | 110 | 95 | Heavy commercial, large RV & bus applications |
| H | 16‑ply rating | 120–125 | 110 | Extreme heavy‑duty commercial and specialty use |
These values summarize common industry charts for passenger, LT, and trailer tires. Always follow the exact maximum load and pressure stamped on your tire’s sidewall and in the manufacturer’s load‑inflation tables, which take into account tire size, width, and whether the tire is used in single or dual configuration.
How to Use This Calculator
- Find the Load Range letter (or SL / XL) on your tire sidewall — for example, “Load Range E” or “XL”.
- Enter or select that Load Range in the calculator.
- The tool shows the equivalent ply rating, typical maximum cold inflation pressure, and common usage for that range.
- Use the reference chart below to compare different load ranges when upsizing or switching from passenger (P) to LT or trailer (ST) tires.
Load Range vs Ply Rating Explained
About Load Range, Ply Rating & Load Capacity
Load Range vs Load Index vs Ply Rating
Load Range is a strength code (SL, XL, C, D, E, F, G, H) that tells you how much pressure the tire can safely use and how robust its casing is. Ply Rating is the traditional way of describing that strength in "ply‑equivalent" terms (for example, 6‑ply or 10‑ply). Load Index is a separate numeric rating that tells you exactly how many pounds or kilograms that tire size can carry at a given pressure. Together, Load Range, Ply Rating, and Load Index define how much weight the tire can safely support and at what pressure.
Passenger vs LT vs Trailer Tires
Passenger (P‑metric) tires are typically Standard Load or Extra Load and are tuned for comfort, grip, and efficiency, not maximum weight. Light Truck (LT) and Special Trailer (ST) tires use higher Load Ranges (C through H) and are built with tougher casings for towing and hauling. Using P‑metric tires in demanding truck, van, or trailer duty can overload the tire, causing heat buildup, sidewall flex, and potentially failure. If your vehicle or trailer came with LT or ST tires, you should stay within that tire class and ensure any replacement meets or exceeds the original load capacity.
When to Choose a Higher Load Range
A higher Load Range (for example, moving from C to E) is appropriate when you regularly carry heavy loads, tow large trailers, or run a slide‑in camper or commercial upfit. The stronger casing and higher allowable PSI give more load capacity and durability. However, there is little benefit to running a very high Load Range tire on a lightly loaded vehicle — it adds weight and stiffness, can reduce ride comfort and traction, and will not improve safety if the original tires already met your load needs.
Why Inflation Pressure Matters as Much as Load Range
The ability of any tire to carry weight is determined by the air pressure inside it and the tire’s maximum load and pressure ratings. A Load Range E tire inflated to 45 PSI will carry no more load than a Load Range C tire of the same size also at 45 PSI — both must follow the same load‑inflation tables. Under‑inflating a high Load Range tire can be just as dangerous as under‑inflating a lower Load Range tire. Always use a pressure that matches your actual axle loads, and never exceed the maximum pressure or load limits printed on the tire sidewall.