Tire Speed Rating

What do the numbers on the side of your tire tell you? Learn more about important specifications like speed rating. Once you’re ready to start shopping, our tire finder will help you get started.

Tire speed rating of 97Y highlighted on the tire sidewall of a Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate tire

What Does Speed Rating Mean on Tires?

Tire speed rating is different than tire size.

Tire speed rating tells you the maximum service speed for a tire. A speed rating isn't, however, a recommendation to exceed speed limits, and doesn't indicate how well a tire handles or corners.

The speed rating tells you the maximum speed capability of the tire when properly inflated.

Choosing a tire with an equal or greater speed rating than the original equipment tire is generally recommended.

It is not recommended to fit tires with different speed ratings.

If tires with different speed ratings are installed on a vehicle, they should be installed with like pairs on the same axle. The speed capability of the vehicle will become limited to that of the lowest speed rated tires. Obey all speed limits.

Tire Speed Rating Chart

Speed Symbol	Maximum Speed	Vehicle Type
L	75 mph	Off-Road & Light Truck Tires
M	81 mph	Temporary Spare Tires
N	87 mph
P	93 mph
Q	99 mph	Studless & Studdable Winter Tires
R	106 mph	H.D. Light Truck Tires
S	112 mph	Family Sedans & Vans
T	118 mph	Family Sedans & Vans
U	124 mph
H	130 mph	Sport Sedans & Coupes
V	149 mph	Sport Sedans, Coupes & Sports Cars
W	168 mph	Sport Sedans, Coupes & Sports Cars
Y	186 mph	Sport Sedans, Coupes & Sports Cars
Z	149 mph +	Sports Cars, Exotic Cars

* W- and Y-speed ratings are subcategories of the Z-speed rating.

** Per the TR&A 2007 yearbook, for tires having a maximum speed capability above 240 km/h (149 mph), a ZR may appear in the size designation. For tires having a maximum speed capacity above 300 km/h (186 mph), a ZR must appear in the size designation and a service description, including the Y speed symbol, must be included in brackets.