Tire Load Range Comparator
Compare tire load ranges B to G: ply rating equivalent and maximum inflation pressure in psi, bar and kPa for LT and trailer tires.
Compare load range specifications.
Tire Load Range Comparator: Tire Size Inputs
Compare two tire sizes here. Use the formulas and reference tables below for this tool's specific calculation.
How Tire Load Range Comparator Works?
The Tire Load Range Comparator works by translating each load range letter into its ply rating equivalent and maximum pressure, then comparing the 2 tires. The tool uses 3 steps.
Enter both load ranges
Type the current and proposed load range, for example C and E.
Decode the letters
The comparator returns C = 6-ply rating, 50 psi (3.4 bar), and E = 10-ply rating, 80 psi (5.5 bar).
Compare capacity
Enter both load indexes for the comparator to show the capacity gap at each tire's maximum pressure.
Tire Load Range Comparator Formula
The Tire Load Range Comparator formula is Ply rating = 2 × (letter position + 1), with B as position 1, so B = 4, C = 6, D = 8 and E = 10.
PR = 2 × (n + 1), n = 1 for BΔP = P_max,2 − P_max,1bar = psi × 0.0689476- n
- Letter position (B = 1, C = 2 …)
- PR
- Ply rating equivalent
- P_max
- Maximum inflation pressure
Worked example
Moving from load range C to load range E raises the ply rating equivalent from 6 to 10 and the maximum pressure from 50 psi to 80 psi (5.5 bar, 552 kPa).
Tire Load Range Comparator Conversion Table
The Tire Load Range Comparator conversion table lists 6 load ranges with ply rating and typical maximum pressure.
| Load range | Ply rating | Max pressure (psi) | Max pressure (bar / kPa) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B | 4-ply rating | 35 psi | 2.4 bar (241 kPa) |
| C | 6-ply rating | 50 psi | 3.4 bar (345 kPa) |
| D | 8-ply rating | 65 psi | 4.5 bar (448 kPa) |
| E | 10-ply rating | 80 psi | 5.5 bar (552 kPa) |
| F | 12-ply rating | 95 psi | 6.6 bar (655 kPa) |
| G | 14-ply rating | 110 psi | 7.6 bar (758 kPa) |
Pressures are typical values for LT and ST tires. The maximum stamped on each sidewall governs.
What is Tire Load Range Comparator?
A Tire Load Range Comparator is a tool that compares the load range letters used on light truck (LT) and special trailer (ST) tires. A load range describes how much pressure a tire's construction holds, and higher pressure means more load capacity.
Ply rating is an equivalent, not a count. A modern 10-ply-rated tire often has 2 or 3 body plies with steel belts.
A higher load range does not add capacity at the same pressure. A load range E tire inflated to 50 psi carries about the same load as a load range C tire at 50 psi.
What are the uses of Tire Load Range Comparator?
There are 4 main uses of the Tire Load Range Comparator, including towing upgrades and trailer tire choices.
Towing upgrades
Pick a load range that carries a heavy trailer tongue.
Trailer tire choices
Compare ST tires in load ranges C, D and E.
Ride quality trade-offs
Weigh higher capacity against a stiffer ride.
Pressure planning
Find the pressure a higher range needs to reach its rated load.
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