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What is Load Rating?

Updated

Understanding Vehicle Load Rating for Wheels

Wheel load rating is an important safety consideration when selecting wheels. This article explains what wheel load rating means, how it is calculated, and how to determine whether a wheel is appropriate for your vehicle and intended use.

How to Find the Correct Load Rating?

We have done the hard work for you. The year, make and model search on our website will only populate wheels that fit and have the proper load rating for your specific vehicle.


You can also find a wheel's load rating on our website by looking at the specifications chart at the bottom of the product page If you already have a wheel, simply look at the stamp on the back of the wheel indicated as "Max Load"

What Is Wheel Load Rating?

Wheel load rating is the maximum amount of weight a single wheel is designed to support. This rating is specific to each wheel model and may vary based on the size of the wheel. A wheel must meet or exceed the minimum required load rating for the vehicle to be considered safe. The required load rating for a vehicle is calculated using the vehicles GAWR not the GVWR. This information can typically be found on the sticker located on the driver's side door jamb, or inside the owner's manual.

 

GVWR vs. GAWR: What’s the Difference?

Understanding load rating requires knowing the difference between GVWR and GAWR.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

GVWR is the maximum total weight the vehicle is designed to carry, including:

  • The vehicle itself

  • Passengers

  • Cargo

  • Fluids

GVWR represents the total combined weight across all four wheels.

 

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)

GAWR is the maximum weight that a single axle (front or rear) is designed to support. 

Important notes about GAWR:

  • Front and rear GAWR values are often different

  • GAWR values are intentionally higher than average operating loads

  • GAWR accounts for temporary weight shifts, such as during braking, turning, or acceleration

     

 

How Wheel Load Rating Is Calculated

Wheel load rating requirements are derived from the GAWR, not the GVWR.

Correct Method

  1. Identify the higher of the front or rear GAWR

  2. Divide that number by two wheels

The result is the minimum required load rating per wheel.

 

 

Example

Let’s say a vehicle has the following factory ratings:

Front GAWR: 3,200 lbs

Rear GAWR: 3,000 lbs

Because GAWR can differ front to rear, you always use the higher GAWR to determine the minimum required wheel load rating.

Step 1: Take the higher GAWR

Higher GAWR = 3,200 lbs

Step 2: Divide by two wheels on that axle

3,200 ÷ 2 = 1,600 lbs

Result:
Each wheel must have a minimum load rating of 1,600 lbs to safely support this vehicle.

 

 

 

Another way to look at it

You can also calculate this in reverse:

  • Take the wheel’s load rating and multiply it by 2

  • If that number is greater than the largest GAWR, the wheel meets the requirement

 

 

Example:

Let’s use the same vehicle that has the following factory ratings:

Front GAWR: 3,200 lbs

Rear GAWR: 3,000 lbs

If the wheel you’re considering has a stamped load rating of 1,750 lbs (Max Load), then:

1,750 × 2 = 3,500 lbs

Since 3,500 lbs exceeds the 3,200-lb GAWR, the wheel meets and exceeds requirements and is safe to run.

 

 

 

Common Mistake to Avoid

A common error is dividing the GVWR by four to determine wheel load rating.
This is incorrect and does not account for axle-specific weight distribution or temporary load shifts.

Wheel load ratings should always be evaluated using largest GAWR, not GVWR.

 

 

Do You Demand More of Your Vehicle?

You may want to consider flow formed or forged wheels if your vehicle is used for:

  • Heavy towing

  • Overlanding or camping setups that increase vehicle weight

  • Track use with hard cornering, and aerodynamic modifications that increase downforce

  • Off-road driving where impacts place high loads directly on the wheel

Flow formed and forged wheels:

  • Handle higher loads and harder impacts

  • Offer improved durability and longevity

  • Reduce unsprung weight, which can improve handling and fuel economy

     

Still need help?

If you have questions about wheel load rating or want help selecting the right wheel for your vehicle, contact us at 800.260.2522 Mon thru Fri 9:00am to 8:00pm EST or submit a request.

Providing your vehicle information and intended use helps us give accurate recommendations.