Vehicle Payload Capacity Calculator
Find how much cargo you can safely add to your vehicle. Enter the GVWR from your door-jamb placard, the vehicle's curb weight (from the owner's manual), the weight of all passengers, and the weight of cargo already loaded. The calculator shows your remaining safe payload capacity and a percentage-of-limit indicator.
Payload capacity formula (NHTSA/SAE)
Maximum payload = GVWR - Curb_weight
Used payload = Passenger_weight + Cargo_weight
Remaining payload = Maximum_payload - Used_payload
% used = Used_payload / Maximum_payload x 100
GVWR is set by the manufacturer per FMVSS and must be shown on the door-jamb certification label (49 CFR 567.4). Never load a vehicle beyond GVWR; doing so is illegal and unsafe.
Payload vs towing capacity
- Payload is the weight you carry in or on the vehicle, including passengers and bed/trunk cargo.
- Towing capacity (per SAE J2807) is the maximum weight of a trailer the vehicle can tow. These are separate limits.
- Tongue weight (typically 10 to 15% of trailer weight) counts toward payload, not just toward towing capacity.
- A truck rated to tow 10,000 lb and carry 1,500 lb payload with a 1,000 lb tongue weight load has only 500 lb remaining for passengers and other cargo.
- Exceeding either limit is dangerous and may void your vehicle warranty.
Vehicle payload calculator: frequently asked questions
What is GVWR and how does it relate to payload?
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle, including the vehicle itself, passengers, cargo, fuel, and any accessories. It is set by the manufacturer and must be displayed on the door-jamb placard per NHTSA regulations (49 CFR Part 567). Payload = GVWR minus curb weight. Never exceed GVWR; doing so is illegal on public roads and can compromise brakes, tires, suspension, and structural components.
Where do I find my vehicle's GVWR and curb weight?
GVWR is on the door-jamb placard (Federal Safety Certification label, required by 49 CFR 567.4). Curb weight is in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's specifications sheet for your specific trim and option package. Some vehicles also show it on a sticker in the glove box or door jamb. The difference between GVWR and curb weight is the maximum payload.
Do passengers count toward payload?
Yes. Passengers and their baggage count toward payload. The SAE standard J2807 (used for towing ratings) defines passenger weight at 150 lb per occupant for rating purposes. For payload calculations, use the actual combined weight of all passengers. A full crew cab with 5 passengers at 180 lb each adds 900 lb to the payload before any cargo is loaded.
What happens if I exceed payload capacity?
Overloading a vehicle beyond GVWR is illegal under FMCSA regulations for commercial vehicles and most state laws for private vehicles. Structural and safety risks include: tire overload and blowout, brake system overheating and fade, suspension component failure, frame damage, and voided manufacturer warranty. NHTSA and SAE recommend a minimum 10% safety margin below rated payload for regular commercial use.
Is GVWR the same as payload rating?
No. GVWR is the maximum total loaded weight. Payload rating = GVWR minus curb weight. Payload is what you can add to the vehicle. Manufacturers often market pickup trucks with a headline payload number that is only achievable on the most basic trim with the smallest cab and engine. Your specific configured vehicle's actual payload is on the tire/loading information placard in the door jamb.
Official sources
- NHTSA 49 CFR Part 567 (Certification): ecfr.gov Part 567.
- SAE J2807 Towing Standard: sae.org/standards J2807.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.