GVWR Calculator
Ensure your vehicle stays within its gross vehicle weight rating by adding up curb weight, passengers, and cargo.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the GVWR from your door sticker
Find the GVWR listed on the driver-side door jamb or in the owner's manual.
Add the curb weight
Use the manufacturer's curb weight or a certified scale measurement.
Estimate passenger and cargo loads
Count all occupants, luggage, tools, or equipment you plan to carry.
Include trailer tongue weight
If you tow, enter the downward force the trailer applies to the hitch—typically 10–15% of trailer weight.
Formula
Loaded Weight = Curb Weight + Passenger Weight + Cargo + Tongue Weight
Passenger Weight: Number of passengers × Average passenger weight
Remaining Capacity: GVWR − Loaded Weight
Example: GVWR 6,100 lb, curb 4,400 lb, 3 passengers @ 170 lb, cargo 250 lb, tongue 200 lb:
Passenger weight = 3 × 170 = 510 lb → Total load = 510 + 250 + 200 = 960 lb
Loaded weight = 4,400 + 960 = 5,360 lb
Remaining capacity = 6,100 − 5,360 = 740 lb (88.0% of GVWR used)
About the GVWR Calculator
Overloading a vehicle stresses the suspension, brakes, and tires, increasing the risk of failure. This calculator helps you stay within manufacturer limits by tallying every pound on board.
When to Use This Calculator
- Road trips: Confirm your family, luggage, and gear stay within payload capacity.
- Towing setups: Evaluate tongue weight and cargo before hitting the highway.
- Commercial vehicles: Avoid fines and safety violations by pre-checking loads.
- Camper builds: Calculate the impact of aftermarket accessories and supplies.
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Comprehensive inputs: Includes passengers, cargo, and trailer tongue weight.
- ✅ Instant insight: Shows remaining payload and percent of GVWR used.
- ✅ Safety focused: Highlights over-capacity situations before you drive.
- ✅ Mobile friendly: Check loads at the campsite, job site, or scales.
Common Applications
Pickup owners: Balance bed loads, passengers, and towing demands.
RV enthusiasts: Manage weight distribution between tow vehicle and trailer.
Business fleets: Keep delivery vans and service trucks compliant.
Tips for Best Results
- Weigh your vehicle on a certified scale for precise curb weight.
- Recalculate after adding accessories like roof racks or toolboxes.
- Distribute cargo evenly to stay within front and rear axle weight ratings (GAWR).
- Consider fuel weight—full tanks add approximately 6 lb per gallon of gasoline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GVWR the same as payload?
GVWR is the total allowable weight of the vehicle plus everything inside. Payload is GVWR minus curb weight—the maximum additional weight you can add.
Do modifications change GVWR?
Only the manufacturer or certified upfitter can legally change GVWR. Aftermarket springs or air bags do not increase the official rating.
Should I include fuel weight?
Curb weight typically includes a full tank. If your tank is not full or you carry extra fuel, account for the difference (gasoline ≈ 6 lb/gal, diesel ≈ 7 lb/gal).
What happens if I exceed GVWR?
Driving over GVWR can lead to handling issues, longer stopping distances, tire blowouts, and potential legal penalties. Reduce load or upgrade to a vehicle with a higher rating.