A 117 load index tells you the maximum weight one tire can safely carry
The load index is a number on your tire's sidewall that corresponds to how much weight that tire can support. A load index of 117 means that single tire can carry a maximum of 1,075 pounds. This number appears on every tire sold in the United States and is part of the tire's standardized rating system.
Load index matters because using a tire rated below your vehicle's weight requirements can cause overheating, blowouts, and loss of control. Conversely, you do not need to buy tires with a load index higher than your vehicle requires — it will not improve performance or safety, and higher-rated tires often cost more.
The load index is always paired with a speed rating (a letter like H, V, or W) on the tire sidewall. Together they form the tire's service description. You will see it written as something like "117H" or "117V".
Key Takeaways
- A 117 load index equals 1,075 pounds of weight capacity per tire, so a four-tire set can support 4,300 pounds total.
- Your vehicle's door jamb or owner's manual lists the load index your tires must meet — this is a minimum, not a suggestion.
- Using tires with a load index below your vehicle's requirement is unsafe and can void your warranty.
- Load index increases by one number for every 1.4% increase in weight capacity, so a 118 index carries about 1,090 pounds.
How to find your vehicle's required load index
Your vehicle manufacturer specifies the minimum load index your tires must have. This information appears on a label inside the driver's door jamb — look for a sticker or placard that lists tire size, pressure, and load index together. The label will say something like "P225/65R17 102H" where 102 is the load index.
If the door jamb label is missing or unreadable, check your owner's manual under the tire or wheel section. You can also contact your vehicle's manufacturer with your vehicle identification number (VIN), and they will tell you the correct specification.
Do not assume all tires of the same size have the same load index. A P225/65R17 tire might come in a 102 index from one manufacturer and a 104 from another. Always match the index on your door jamb label, or go higher — never lower.
Load index numbers and their weight equivalents
Load index uses a standardized scale where each number jump represents a specific weight increase. The scale runs from 0 (99 pounds) to 150 (7,385 pounds), though most passenger vehicles use indexes between 75 and 120.
| Load Index | Weight Per Tire (pounds) | Weight Per Tire (kilograms) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 937 | 425 |
| 104 | 984 | 446 |
| 110 | 1,056 | 479 |
| 115 | 1,135 | 515 |
| 117 | 1,075 | 488 |
| 120 | 1,389 | 630 |
The relationship between index numbers is not linear — each step up does not add the same amount of weight. A jump from 115 to 117 adds about 40 pounds per tire, while a jump from 117 to 120 adds about 314 pounds per tire. This is why you cannot estimate a load index by guessing; you must look it up or check the tire sidewall.
Why load index matters for safety and warranty
A tire's load index is engineered into its construction — the sidewall thickness, internal reinforcement, and rubber compound all support that specific weight capacity. Using a tire with an index below your vehicle's requirement means the tire is not built to handle the load it will carry. This causes excessive flexing, heat buildup, and premature failure.
Underrated tires can fail suddenly, especially when the vehicle is fully loaded (passengers, cargo, or towing). A blowout at highway speed creates a dangerous loss of control. Insurance companies and tire manufacturers may deny a warranty claim if an accident involved underrated tires.
Using tires with a load index higher than required is safe and does not cause problems. However, it typically costs more and offers no performance benefit for your vehicle. Most buyers match their vehicle's requirement exactly or go one or two index points higher if that is what is available in their preferred tire model.
Load index versus load range and ply rating
Load index is used for passenger car tires and light truck tires. Heavy-duty truck tires and trailer tires use a different system called load range, marked with letters like C, D, E, or F. Load range indicates how many plies (layers of reinforcement) the tire has and how much weight it can carry at a given pressure.
If you drive a truck or SUV, your tire sidewall may show both a load index and a load range. The load index is what matters for matching your vehicle's door jamb specification. Load range is additional information about the tire's construction and is most relevant if you are towing or carrying heavy loads regularly.
Do not confuse load index with ply rating, which is an older system that counted the number of fabric layers in the tire. Modern tires do not use ply rating for passenger vehicles, though some truck tires still list it alongside load range.
What happens if you buy the wrong load index
If you accidentally purchase tires with a load index lower than your vehicle requires, you should not drive on them. Contact the tire retailer or manufacturer when ready to exchange them for the correct index. Most retailers will swap tires at no charge if the mistake is caught before installation or shortly after.
If you have already driven on underrated tires, inspect them for signs of damage — bulges, cracks, or uneven wear — before driving further. Have a tire professional check them. If damage is found, replace them when ready.
If you buy tires with a higher load index than required, there is no safety issue, but you may have paid more than necessary. Higher-index tires are often stiffer and may produce a slightly firmer ride, though most drivers do not notice the difference.
Load index and tire pressure
Load index is always rated at a specific tire pressure, which is listed on the tire sidewall. For passenger tires, this is usually 44 pounds per square inch (psi). The load index assumes the tire is inflated to this pressure.
If you underinflate your tires, their load capacity decreases. Overinflating does not increase capacity but can cause uneven wear and a harsher ride. Always inflate to the pressure listed on your vehicle's door jamb label, not the maximum pressure on the tire sidewall. The door jamb pressure is what your vehicle's weight and suspension are designed for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a tire with a load index of 115 if my vehicle requires 117?
No. A 115 index carries about 1,135 pounds per tire, while 117 carries 1,075 pounds. Using an index below your requirement is unsafe and may void your warranty. Always match or exceed your vehicle's specification.
Does a higher load index make my tires last longer?
No. Load index only determines weight capacity, not durability or tread life. A tire's lifespan depends on tread compound, driving habits, and maintenance. A higher load index tire may cost more but will not wear slower than a correctly rated tire.
Where do I find the load index on my tire?
The load index is on the tire's sidewall, printed as part of the tire size code. It appears as a number followed by a letter (the speed rating). For example, in "P225/65R17 102H", the 102 is the load index and H is the speed rating.
What if my vehicle's door jamb label is missing?
Check your owner's manual for the tire specification, or contact your vehicle's manufacturer with your VIN. A tire shop can also look up the correct specification using your vehicle's year, make, and model.
Is load index the same as weight rating?
Load index is a standardized number that corresponds to a weight rating. The index itself (117) is not the weight — you must look up what that number means (1,075 pounds). This system makes it easier to compare tires across brands.