Payload & Towing Calculator
Check your vehicle’s remaining payload and towing margin — stay safe and legal before loading up or hooking up a trailer.
Payload / Towing Load Check
GVWR − Curb − Load = Payload remaining
How It Works
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum total weight the vehicle is certified to carry. Subtract curb weight and all loaded weight to find the remaining payload capacity.
How to Use This Calculator
- Find your GVWR from the door-jamb placard or owner’s manual.
- Enter the curb weight (from spec sheet — includes standard equipment and fluids).
- Enter total passenger and cargo weight (count everyone and everything loaded).
- Enter trailer weight if towing (use tongue/hitch weight, typically 10–15% of trailer).
- Click Check — status shows whether you are within limits.
Worked Example
Reference Table
| Vehicle Type | Typical GVWR | Typical Curb Wt | Typical Payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact car | 1 500–1 800 kg | 1 100–1 300 kg | 300–500 kg |
| Mid-size SUV | 2 200–2 700 kg | 1 600–2 000 kg | 400–700 kg |
| 3/4-ton pickup | 3 600–3 900 kg | 2 300–2 600 kg | 900–1 300 kg |
| Full-size van | 3 500–4 500 kg | 2 200–2 800 kg | 1 000–1 800 kg |
| Light truck (1-ton) | 4 500–5 000 kg | 2 800–3 200 kg | 1 300–2 000 kg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between payload and towing capacity?
Payload is the weight you can carry inside the vehicle (passengers + cargo). Towing capacity is how much you can pull behind it. They are separate limits — exceeding either is unsafe and illegal.
Does tongue weight count against payload?
Yes — tongue weight (the vertical load the trailer hitch puts on the tow vehicle) counts as cargo weight and reduces available payload. Tongue weight is typically 10–15% of gross trailer weight.
What happens if I exceed the GVWR?
Braking distances increase dramatically, suspension and chassis can be permanently damaged, tyres can overheat and fail, and handling becomes unpredictable. In most jurisdictions it is also illegal and will void your insurance.
Where do I find my vehicle’s GVWR and curb weight?
The GVWR is on the driver’s door jamb sticker. Curb weight is in the owner’s manual specifications section or on the manufacturer’s website. The door sticker may also list a payload rating directly.
