GVWR and Payload Calculator
Enter your vehicle's curb weight and the weight of everything you plan to carry (passengers, cargo, accessories, and tongue weight) to see your current Gross Vehicle Weight, how much payload remains before you hit the GVWR limit, and the FHWA weight class. Switch to the GCWR tab to check towing capacity as well. Results update as you type.
Formula
Worked example
A pickup truck has a GVWR of 7,000 lb and a curb weight of 5,000 lb, giving a max payload of 2,000 lb. You add 200 lb of accessories (roof rack and hitch), 400 lb of passengers, 500 lb of cargo, and 150 lb of tongue weight. Payload used = 400 + 500 + 150 = 1,050 lb. GVW = 5,000 + 200 + 1,050 = 6,250 lb. Payload remaining = 7,000 - 6,250 = 750 lb (89% of GVWR used, close to the recommended limit).
What is GVWR?
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum allowable total weight of a fully loaded vehicle as certified by the manufacturer. It includes the vehicle's own weight (curb weight), all passengers, cargo, fluids, and any tongue or pin weight from a trailer. The GVWR is stamped on the door jamb placard on most vehicles sold in the United States and Canada. It is set by the manufacturer based on the structural, suspension, brake, and tire capacities of the vehicle. Exceeding it can overstress brakes and suspension, cause tire failure, and may be illegal on public roads under state and federal weight laws.
GVWR vs. GVW: what is the difference?
GVWR is a rated limit set by the manufacturer. GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) is the actual weight of the vehicle at any given moment, measured on a scale with everything on board. Your goal is to keep GVW at or below GVWR. The difference between GVWR and your vehicle's curb weight is your maximum payload capacity: how much passengers, cargo, accessories, and tongue weight you are allowed to add. Adding aftermarket accessories such as a roof rack, winch, or steel bumpers permanently reduces the payload capacity because they increase the effective curb weight.
How to find your GVWR and curb weight
The GVWR is printed on the certification label affixed to the driver's door jamb on every vehicle sold in North America. It is also listed in the owner's manual under towing or loading specifications. Curb weight varies by trim level, optional equipment, and drivetrain, so use the value from your specific configuration rather than a generic spec sheet. Manufacturers typically publish curb weight in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. If you have aftermarket accessories, add their weight to the curb weight to get your effective (as-modified) curb weight before subtracting from GVWR.
Tongue weight, GCWR, and towing
When you tow a trailer, the tongue weight (ball hitch) or pin weight (fifth wheel) transfers onto the tow vehicle and counts against its GVWR. A rule of thumb: tongue weight should be 10-15% of the total trailer weight for a ball hitch, and 15-25% for a gooseneck or fifth-wheel. The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the maximum total weight of the loaded tow vehicle plus the loaded trailer. Exceeding GCWR stresses the drivetrain and can cause brake fade on descents. Both limits matter: you can be within GVWR but over GCWR (heavy trailer), or within GCWR but over GVWR (too much cargo in the bed).
FHWA weight classes and why they matter
The Federal Highway Administration divides vehicles into 8 weight classes based on GVWR. Classes 1-3 (up to 14,000 lb) are light-duty, Classes 4-6 (14,001-26,000 lb) medium-duty, and Classes 7-8 (over 26,000 lb) heavy-duty. The classification determines which driver's license, insurance category, and commercial vehicle regulations apply. Class 3 and above typically require a CDL for commercial use. State bridge laws and highway weight limits are also tied to these classes. Knowing your vehicle's class helps you plan routes and understand any permit requirements.
FHWA vehicle weight classes by GVWR
| Class | GVWR range (lb) | GVWR range (kg) | Typical vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Up to 6,000 | Up to 2,722 | Passenger cars, small pickups (e.g. Ford Maverick) |
| Class 2 | 6,001 to 10,000 | 2,722 to 4,536 | Full-size pickups (F-150, Ram 1500), large SUVs |
| Class 3 | 10,001 to 14,000 | 4,536 to 6,350 | Cargo vans, minibuses, small flatbeds |
| Class 4 | 14,001 to 16,000 | 6,350 to 7,257 | Larger cargo vans, box trucks, flatbeds |
| Class 5 | 16,001 to 19,500 | 7,257 to 8,845 | Delivery trucks, city buses, large flatbeds |
| Class 6 | 19,501 to 26,000 | 8,845 to 11,793 | School buses, beverage trucks, dump trucks |
| Class 7 | 26,001 to 33,000 | 11,793 to 14,969 | Transit buses, refuse trucks, larger dump trucks |
| Class 8 | Over 33,000 | Over 14,969 | Semi-trucks (18-wheelers), large dump and concrete trucks |
The Federal Highway Administration classifies vehicles into 8 classes based on GVWR. Classes 1-3 are light-duty, 4-6 medium-duty, 7-8 heavy-duty.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I exceed GVWR?
Exceeding GVWR can void your manufacturer warranty, accelerate wear on suspension, brakes, and tires, and increase the risk of a blowout or brake failure. It may also be illegal: many states prohibit operating an overloaded vehicle on public roads. Law enforcement uses weigh stations and portable scales to check GVW, and fines can be substantial for commercial operators. For personal vehicles, the most common risks are accelerated component wear and reduced handling.
How do I find the GVWR of my vehicle?
The GVWR is printed on the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) certification label, which is attached to the driver's door jamb or B-pillar on most North American vehicles. It is also in your owner's manual in the loading or towing section. If you cannot find it, your dealer can look it up by VIN.
Does GVWR include the driver?
Yes. GVWR is the maximum total weight including everyone and everything in or on the vehicle: driver, all passengers, all cargo, fuel, and tongue weight from a trailer. The base vehicle weight (curb weight) already accounts for fluids and a full tank of fuel but not occupants or cargo.
What is payload capacity and how is it different from GVWR?
Payload capacity is the maximum weight you can add to the vehicle above its curb weight. It equals GVWR minus curb weight. If your truck has a GVWR of 7,000 lb and a curb weight of 5,000 lb, your payload capacity is 2,000 lb. Accessories and modifications (like a steel bumper or roof rack) eat into that capacity because they increase the effective curb weight.
What is GCWR and when does it matter?
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) is the maximum total weight of the tow vehicle plus the trailer, both fully loaded. It matters whenever you tow. You can be within your truck's GVWR while towing a trailer, but if the combined weight exceeds GCWR, you are overloading the drivetrain. Find your GCWR in the towing section of your owner's manual.
Does adding accessories reduce my payload capacity?
Yes. Any aftermarket item permanently mounted to the vehicle - a roof rack, skid plates, winch, steel bumpers, or lift components - increases curb weight. Since payload capacity = GVWR - curb weight, a heavier curb weight means less room for passengers and cargo. If you add 400 lb of accessories to a truck with 2,000 lb of payload, only 1,600 lb remains for people and cargo.
What is tongue weight and how much is allowed?
Tongue weight is the downward force that the trailer's hitch applies to the tow vehicle. For a conventional ball hitch, the recommended range is 10-15% of the loaded trailer weight. For a fifth-wheel or gooseneck, it is 15-25%. Tongue weight must be added to your vehicle's loaded weight when checking GVWR. If tongue weight is too low, the trailer can sway; too high, and the front wheels may lose steering and braking ability.