Tire Load Index and Speed Rating Chart (and Why You Can't Go Lower)
By Wheel Ranger editorial · Published · Updated
The two characters after the size (the 102T in 225/65R17 102T) are the load index and speed rating. Both are minimums: the replacement tire must carry at least the load index on your door sticker and at least the speed rating. Higher is fine. Lower is unsafe and, on a vehicle inspection, a fail.
Load index (per tire)
| Index | Max load, lb |
|---|---|
| 80 | 992 |
| 85 | 1,135 |
| 90 | 1,323 |
| 95 | 1,521 |
| 100 | 1,764 |
| 102 | 1,874 |
| 105 | 2,039 |
| 110 | 2,337 |
| 115 | 2,679 |
| 120 | 3,086 |
| 125 | 3,638 |
Light-truck tires carry two values (e.g. 121/118): the first is for a single tire, the second for duals.
Speed rating
| Letter | Sustained max |
|---|---|
| S | 112 mph |
| T | 118 mph |
| H | 130 mph |
| V | 149 mph |
| W | 168 mph |
| Y | 186 mph |
| Q (winter) | 99 mph |
| R (LT/winter) | 106 mph |
Winter tires are commonly rated Q, R or T; that is acceptable on a car whose summer tires are H or V because the rating describes the tire, not the car, but do not mix ratings across an axle.
Details & specs
| Brand | BFGoodrich |
| Product type | Deals on Car Tires |
| Condition | new |
| Tire size | 215/45R17 |
| Load index | 91 |
| Speed rating | W |
| Season / type | All Season |
| MPN | 25463 |
| Sold by | WheelXL |
| Feed price | $165.99 USD |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-22 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Details & specs
| Brand | Continental |
| Product type | Deals on Car Tires |
| Condition | new |
| Tire size | 225/65R17 |
| Load index | 102 |
| Speed rating | T |
| Season / type | All Season |
| GTIN | 00051342148776 |
| MPN | 15493230000 |
| Sold by | WheelXL |
| Feed price | $175.99 USD |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-22 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Details & specs
| Brand | Continental |
| Product type | Deals on Car Tires |
| Condition | new |
| Tire size | 235/55R19 |
| Load index | 101 |
| Speed rating | H |
| Season / type | All Season |
| GTIN | 00051342198283 |
| MPN | 15491550000 |
| Sold by | WheelXL |
| Feed price | $229.99 USD |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-22 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Details & specs
| Brand | Continental |
| Product type | Deals on Car Tires |
| Condition | new |
| Tire size | 265/70R17 |
| Load index | 115 |
| Speed rating | T |
| Season / type | All Season |
| GTIN | 00051342208906 |
| MPN | 15571680000 |
| Sold by | WheelXL |
| Feed price | $243.99 USD |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-22 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Reading the catalog
Every tire listing on Wheel Scout ends with the size, load index and speed rating, for example BFGoodrich Advantage Control All Season Tires - 225/65R17 102T. The Details & specs panel on each card breaks those out so you can compare, and the category filters let you narrow by size, season, load index and speed rating.
Details & specs
| Brand | Continental |
| Product type | Deals on Car Tires |
| Condition | new |
| Tire size | 265/70R17 |
| Load index | 121 |
| Speed rating | S |
| Season / type | All Season |
| GTIN | 00051342179954 |
| MPN | 15506650000 |
| Sold by | WheelXL |
| Feed price | $289.99 USD |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-22 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Details & specs
| Brand | Continental |
| Product type | Deals on Car Tires |
| Condition | new |
| Tire size | 235/45R19 |
| Load index | 95 |
| Speed rating | H |
| Season / type | All Season |
| GTIN | 00051342137350 |
| MPN | 15484960000 |
| Sold by | WheelXL |
| Feed price | $320.36 USD |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-22 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
Details & specs
| Brand | Continental |
| Product type | Deals on Car Tires |
| Condition | new |
| Tire size | 265/45R21 |
| Load index | 104 |
| Speed rating | V |
| Season / type | All Season |
| GTIN | 00051342182732 |
| MPN | 15507910000 |
| Sold by | WheelXL |
| Feed price | $429.50 USD |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-22 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us · Research page. Check current price →
Details & specs
| Brand | Continental |
| Product type | Deals on Car Tires |
| Condition | new |
| Tire size | 275/55R20 |
| Load index | 111 |
| Speed rating | T |
| Season / type | All Season |
| GTIN | 00051342183708 |
| MPN | 15508200000 |
| Sold by | WheelXL |
| Feed price | $276.35 USD |
| Availability (feed) | In stock |
| Captured | 2026-08-22 08:31 UTC |
Merchant feed data, not tested by us. Check current price →
FAQ
Is a higher load index bad?
No. It usually means a stiffer sidewall and a firmer ride, but it is always safe.
Where is my required rating?
On the tire placard inside the driver's door jamb, and in the owner's manual.
More guides
- How to Read a Tire Size (225/65R17 102T) and Pick the Right Type
- Wheel Fitment: Bolt Pattern, Offset and Width Explained
- Wheel Offset and Backspacing Explained: How Far Can You Go?
- All-Season vs. Winter vs. Summer Tires: What to Run Where
Editorial conclusions are drawn from the WheelXL catalog data and the manufacturer documentation listed above; we do not claim to have used every product shown. Updated 2026-08-23. Corrections: contact us.