Tire speed rating chart
The speed rating is the letter after the load index, such as H in 225/65R17 102H. It's the tire's speed category: H means 130 mph (210 km/h).[1 · Oct 29, 2026][2 · Oct 29, 2026]
Speed symbols, slowest to fastest
| Symbol | Max speed | Metric | Often used on |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | 75 mph | 120 km/h | Off-road and light truck tires |
| M | 81 mph | 130 km/h | Temporary spare tires |
| N | 87 mph | 140 km/h | |
| P | 93 mph | 150 km/h | |
| Q | 99 mph | 160 km/h | Studless and studdable winter tires |
| R | 106 mph | 170 km/h | |
| S | 112 mph | 180 km/h | |
| T | 118 mph | 190 km/h | |
| U | 124 mph | 200 km/h | |
| H | 130 mph | 210 km/h | |
| V | 149 mph | 240 km/h | |
| W | 168 mph | 270 km/h | |
| Y | 186 mph | 300 km/h |
Notice that H sits between U and V, out of alphabetical order.[2 · Oct 29, 2026] Pirelli adds that light truck tires are often rated between N and H.[3 · Oct 29, 2026]
Z, ZR and letters in brackets
- Z means over 149 mph (240 km/h). It can appear inside the size, as ZR, for example 245/40ZR18.[2 · Oct 29, 2026][4 · Oct 29, 2026]
- A Y in brackets, as in 99(Y), means the tire was tested at speeds above 186 mph.[2 · Oct 29, 2026]
What a speed rating doesn't mean
A speed rating isn't a safe driving speed. Pirelli says it doesn't apply to a tire that's old or worn, underinflated or overloaded, and Tire Rack says the same of tires that are damaged, underinflated or overloaded.[3 · Oct 29, 2026][2 · Oct 29, 2026] Always obey the speed limit.
Choosing a speed rating
- Replacement tires should have a speed rating equal to or higher than the original tires.[4 · Oct 29, 2026]
- Continental's bulletin notes winter tires are an exception that may have a lower speed rating than the originals.[4 · Oct 29, 2026]
- Avoid mixing speed ratings. If you have to, Pirelli says to put the pair with the higher rating on the rear axle.[3 · Oct 29, 2026]
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Sources: 1. Tire Industry Association, Reading a tire sidewall. 2. Tire Rack, How do I check a tire's speed rating?. 3. Pirelli, Tire speed rating. 4. Continental Tire, PSIB 06-03: Tire plus-sizing for passenger and light truck vehicles (PDF, 2006). Checked Oct 29, 2026. Size dimensions, revolutions per mile and speedometer figures are our own arithmetic from the size code. Trademarks belong to their owners; figures are restated in our own words and tables, not reproduced.