Passenger vs LT Tire Comparator
Compare passenger (P-metric) and light truck (LT) tires in the same size: load capacity, derating, pressure, weight and tread depth.
Compare dimensions and rated specifications.
Passenger vs LT Tire Comparator: Tire Size Inputs
Compare two tire sizes here. Use the formulas and reference tables below for this tool's specific calculation.
How Passenger vs LT Tire Comparator Works?
The Passenger vs LT Tire Comparator works by reading the load index, load range and construction type of each tire and converting both into load capacity at the stated pressure. The comparison has 4 steps.
Enter both tires
Type the passenger tire (P265/70R17 113T) and the LT tire (LT265/70R17 121/118S).
Look up capacities
The comparator converts load index 113 to 1,150 kg (2,535 lb) and load index 121 to 1,450 kg (3,197 lb).
Apply derating
The comparator divides the passenger tire's load by 1.10 when the tire runs on a light truck, multipurpose vehicle or trailer.
Compare pressure and weight
The comparator lists maximum pressure, tire weight and tread depth side by side.
Passenger vs LT Tire Comparator Formula
The Passenger vs LT Tire Comparator formula for a P-metric tire on a light truck is Load_derated = Load_P ÷ 1.10.
L_P,truck = L(LI_P) ÷ 1.10L_LT = L(LI_single)ΔL = L_LT − L_P,truck- L(LI)
- Load in kg for a given load index
- 1.10
- TRA derating factor for P-metric tires on trucks and SUVs
- LI_single
- First number of an LT dual index
Worked example
A P265/70R17 113T tire carries 1,150 kg (2,535 lb). Derated for truck use, the tire carries 1,045 kg (2,304 lb). An LT265/70R17 121/118S tire carries 1,450 kg (3,197 lb) single, which is 405 kg (893 lb) more.
Passenger vs LT Tire Comparator Conversion Table
The Passenger vs LT Tire Comparator conversion table compares 7 attributes of a P-metric and an LT tire in the same 265/70 R17 size.
| Attribute | Passenger tire | Light truck tire |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Passenger (P or Euro metric) | Light truck (LT) |
| Example | P265/70R17 113T | LT265/70R17 121/118S (Load Range E) |
| Max load (single) | 1150 kg (2,535 lb) at 35 psi (2.4 bar) | 1450 kg (3,197 lb) at 80 psi (5.5 bar) |
| Derated load on a truck | 1,045 kg (2,305 lb) after ÷ 1.10 | No derating |
| Dual rating | None | 1320 kg (2,910 lb) |
| Typical weight | 18–21 kg (40–46 lb) | 23–27 kg (51–60 lb) |
| Typical tread depth | 10–12/32 in (8–9.5 mm) | 14–18/32 in (11–14 mm) |
Weight and tread depth values are typical ranges. Exact values come from each model's specification sheet.
What is Passenger vs LT Tire Comparator?
A Passenger vs LT Tire Comparator is a tool that compares a passenger-construction tire and a light truck-construction tire of the same dimensions on load, pressure and build. Two tires with the same 265/70R17 size can differ by 25% or more in load capacity.
LT tires use more plies, heavier belts and deeper tread. LT tires carry heavier loads and resist punctures better, and the extra mass adds weight and ride stiffness.
Tire and Rim Association (TRA) rules derate a P-metric tire by 10% when the tire runs on a light truck, SUV or trailer.
What are the uses of Passenger vs LT Tire Comparator?
There are 4 main uses of the Passenger vs LT Tire Comparator, including towing setups and half-ton truck choices.
Towing setups
Confirm the tire carries trailer tongue weight with margin.
Half-ton truck choices
Decide whether a P-metric or LT tire suits the truck's work.
Pressure planning
Find the pressure an LT tire needs to match the placard load.
Ride comfort trade-offs
Weigh LT durability against weight and stiffness.
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