Tire Speed Rating Chart Calculator

Tires have a letter code on their sidewall that indicates the maximum speed they're rated to handle safely — the Tire Speed Rating Chart Calculator tells you exactly what that letter means. Select your speed rating letter and choose your preferred speed units (mph or km/h) to see the maximum speed, performance category, typical vehicle type, and recommended daily maximum speed for your tire.

Select the letter from your tire sidewall

Speed Units *

Results

Maximum Speed

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Performance Category

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Typical Vehicle Type

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Recommended Daily Max

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Results Table

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my tire's speed rating?

Look at your tire sidewall for the speed rating letter at the end of the tire size code, after the load index number. For example, in '225/60R16 98H', the 'H' is your speed rating.

Is a higher speed rating better?

Higher speed ratings typically offer better grip, handling, and braking performance, but may have shorter tread life. Only upgrade if your driving needs justify the trade-offs.

What happens if I exceed my tire's speed rating?

Exceeding the speed rating can cause tire overheating, structural damage, and potentially dangerous blowouts. Always stay within your tire's maximum speed limit for safety.

Can I mix different speed rated tires?

It's not recommended to mix speed ratings. If you must, install lower-rated tires on the rear axle and never exceed the lowest speed rating on your vehicle.

Why is speed rating important beyond just speed?

Speed ratings indicate overall tire construction quality, affecting ride comfort, cornering ability, heat resistance, and braking performance - not just maximum speed capability.

Do winter tires have different speed ratings?

Yes, winter tires often have lower speed ratings (typically Q, T, or H) due to their softer rubber compounds designed for cold weather grip rather than high-speed performance.

What's the difference between speed rating and load index?

Speed rating indicates maximum safe speed, while load index shows maximum weight capacity. Both are critical safety specifications that must match your vehicle's requirements.