Ultimate Guide: How Much Does a Tire Weight
If you’ve ever carried a spare tire or helped move one at a shop, you already know they can be surprisingly heavy. But exactly how much does a tire weight? The answer depends on the type of tire, its size, and whether it’s mounted on a wheel.
Quick answer: a standard passenger-car tire (rim-free) weighs around 20–25 lb (9–11 kg). SUV and light-truck tires are heavier, usually 25–45 lb (11–20 kg). Commercial truck tires can weigh 80–150+ lb (36–68+ kg), and massive agricultural or off-road tires can run into hundreds of pounds. When mounted on wheels, add another 15–30 lb depending on the rim material.
Different Types of Tire Weights
If you’re asking how much does a tire weight, the answer depends on the type of tire. Below are the common tire categories, with easy-to-read weight ranges and practical examples.
Agricultural tires
These are the biggest tires you’ll see on farms and construction gear. Small tractor tires often weigh 100–400 lb (45–180 kg). Very large combine or earthmover tires can weigh 500–1,000+ lb (225–450+ kg). These tires are heavy because they are built to carry very heavy machines and work in rough ground.
Commercial and industrial tires
Tires for trucks, buses, and industrial machines are much heavier than car tires. A common semi-truck tire (like 11R22.5) often weighs 80–150 lb (36–68 kg). Forklift and other industrial tires can range from about 50 lb (23 kg) up to 200 lb (90 kg) depending on the size and type. These tires are made to carry big loads and last a long time.
Racing and specialty tires
Racing tires are built for grip and speed, not lightness. A sports-car racing slick or high-performance tire might weigh 25–35 lb (11–16 kg). Very large drag slicks or specialty competition tires can exceed 50 lb (23 kg). Some specialty tires, like run-flats, weigh more than regular tires because they have extra reinforcement.
Passenger and light-truck (LT) tires
These are the tires most drivers use every day.
- Small passenger tires (compact cars) usually weigh about 12–18 lb (5.5–8 kg).
- Typical sedan tires often weigh 16–26 lb (7–12 kg).
- SUV and light-truck tires commonly weigh 28–45 lb (13–20 kg).
If you add the wheel, the full assembly can jump to 35–70 lb (16–32 kg) depending on the rim.
Recreational and off-road tires
All-terrain and mud-terrain tires have thicker tread and stronger sidewalls. A common off-road size (for example, 275/70R18) often weighs 40–55 lb (18–25 kg). Very large off-road tires used for rock crawling or lifted trucks can be 70 lb (32 kg) or heavier. These tires give traction and puncture resistance, which adds weight.
Special purpose tires
This group includes tires with stud holes for icy roads, foam or sound liners, and heavy-duty run-flats. Each extra feature adds a few pounds. For example, a run-flat tire or a tire with a foam liner might weigh several pounds more than the same size without those features. The change is small for a single tire, but it adds up if you replace all four.
Comprehensive Tire Weight Reference Table
For precision, the table below provides the weights for dozens of tire types, from passenger tires to industrial and specialty models. This complements the ranges discussed above and serves as a practical lookup guide.
| Tire Type | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) |
| Tractor tire | 300–600 | 136–272 |
| Semi tire | 100–120 | 45–54 |
| Monster truck tire | 800–900 | 363–408 |
| NASCAR tire | 24–30 | 11–14 |
| Spare tire | 30–50 | 14–23 |
| 11R 22.5 tire | 100–120 | 45–54 |
| 11R 24.5 tire | 120–140 | 54–64 |
| 17-inch tire and rim | 40–60 | 18–27 |
| 18.4-38 tractor tire | 300–400 | 136–181 |
| 20.5 R25 tire | 550–600 | 249–272 |
| 35-inch tire | 70–90 | 32–41 |
| NASCAR tire and wheel | 45–50 | 20–23 |
| Semi-truck tire | 100–120 | 45–54 |
| Super single wheel and tire | 125–150 | 57–68 |
| Tire and rim | 40–60 | 18–27 |
| Tire machine | 700–800 | 318–363 |
| Tractor tire (CrossFit) | 400–500 | 181–227 |
| 18-wheeler tire | 105–110 | 48–50 |
| Car tire and rim | 40–50 | 18–23 |
| Forklift tire | 120–150 | 54–68 |
| Semi-truck wheel and tire | 120–140 | 54–64 |
| Tractor trailer tire | 100–120 | 45–54 |
| Truck tire and rim | 60–80 | 27–36 |
| XDR250 tire | 1150–1250 | 522–567 |
| 11R24.5 tire | 120–140 | 54–64 |
| 14.9×24 tractor tire | 250–300 | 113–136 |
| 15-inch tire and rim | 30–50 | 14–23 |
| 16-inch tire and rim | 35–55 | 16–25 |
| 16-inch tire | 20–25 | 9–11 |
| 17.5 25 foam-filled tire | 450–500 | 204–227 |
| 18-inch tire | 40–60 | 18–27 |
| 19.5 tire | 50–60 | 23–27 |
| 19.5L 24 tire | 150–200 | 68–91 |
| 20-inch tire | 60–80 | 27–36 |
| 20.5 R25 tractor tire | 600–700 | 272–318 |
| 22-inch rim with tire | 50–70 | 23–32 |
| 22.5 tire | 100–120 | 45–54 |
| 22.5 truck tire | 100–120 | 45–54 |
| 23.5 25 tire | 700–800 | 318–363 |
| 245 75 16 tire | 40–50 | 18–23 |
| 26.5 25 tire | 850–950 | 386–431 |
| 295 75R22.5 tire | 110–120 | 50–54 |
| 35 tire and rim | 70–90 | 32–41 |
| 35 tire | 70–90 | 32–41 |
| 35×12.5R15 General Red Letter tire | 80–90 | 36–41 |
| 37-inch tire | 90–110 | 41–50 |
| 737 800 main tire | 250–300 | 113–136 |
| Big truck tire | 100–120 | 45–54 |
| BMW X3 wheel and tire | 50–60 | 23–27 |
| Bobcat with tires | 7500–9500 | 3402–4310 |
| Bulldozer tire | 1000–1200 | 454–544 |
| Car tire | 20–25 | 9–11 |
| Coats tire machine | 700–800 | 318–363 |
| Combine tire | 500–600 | 227–272 |
| CrossFit tire | 400–500 | 181–227 |
| Dirt bike tire | 10–15 | 4–7 |
| Duro Tires 235 80R16 | 40–50 | 18–23 |
| F1 tire | 20–22 | 9–10 |
| Front-end loader tire | 1000–1200 | 454–544 |
| Gorilla Silverback tire | 400–500 | 181–227 |
| Gym tire | 400–500 | 181–227 |
| HEMTT tire | 500–600 | 227–272 |
| Hummer tire | 60–70 | 27–32 |
| Kioti CK3510 with filled tires | 4000–5000 | 1814–2270 |
| Large truck tire | 100–120 | 45–54 |
| Loaded tractor tire | 300–400 | 136–181 |
| Michelin LT215 85R16E tire | 40–50 | 18–23 |
| NASCAR tire and rim | 45–50 | 20–23 |
| Rear tire 150 80B16 | 20–25 | 9–11 |
| Semi tire and rim | 120–140 | 54–64 |
| Semi tire and wheel | 120–140 | 54–64 |
| Semi truck tire and rim | 120–140 | 54–64 |
| Set of tires and rims | 160–200 | 73–91 |
| Single NASCAR tire | 24–30 | 11–14 |
| Stryker tire | 450–500 | 204–227 |
| Terminator tire | 400–500 | 181–227 |
| Tire and steel rim | 60–80 | 27–36 |
| Tire flip | 400–500 | 181–227 |
| Titan 25ft dual tire gooseneck | 250–300 | 113–136 |
| Tractor trailer tire and rim | 120–140 | 54–64 |
| Truck tire and wheel | 80–100 | 36–45 |
| Truck tire | 70–90 | 32–41 |
| Used tire | 20–30 | 9–14 |
| Weight lifting tire | 400–500 | 181–227 |
| Bike tire weight capacity | 100–150 | 45–68 |
| Car tire weight capacity | 1500–2000 | 680–907 |
| Tire weight bearing capacity | 1000–4000 | 454–1814 |
| Water weight in a tire | 50–100 | 23–45 |
| 33-inch tire | 65–80 | 29–36 |
| 20.5×25 tire | 550–600 | 249–272 |
Factors Affecting Tire Weight
Not all tires weigh the same. The weight depends on several things, and understanding them makes it easier to see why some tires are light and others are very heavy. Here are the main factors:
1. Tire size
Bigger tires weigh more, plain and simple. A small car tire might weigh around 20 pounds, while a large truck or tractor tire can weigh hundreds of pounds. The taller and wider the tire, the more rubber and material it needs, which adds weight.
2. Tire type
Different types of tires are built for different jobs. Passenger car tires are lighter because they’re designed for everyday driving. Off-road, truck, or racing tires are heavier because they need extra strength, thicker rubber, or special tread patterns to handle their purpose.
3. Materials used
Not all tires use the same mix of rubber, steel, and fabric. For example, a run-flat tire has reinforced sidewalls, which makes it heavier than a regular tire of the same size. Tires with extra steel belts or special linings also weigh more.
4. Tread design
A tire with a deep, chunky tread (like a mud-terrain or all-terrain tire) will weigh more than a tire with a smooth tread. More tread means more rubber, and more rubber means more weight.
5. Added features
Some tires come with built-in extras like sound-absorbing foam, puncture protection, or water-filled cavities (for tractors). Each of these adds to the total weight of the tire.
✅ Quick takeaway: If two tires are the same size but have different weights, it usually comes down to the materials, tread design, or special features. Always check the exact tire specs before buying or handling them.
Detailed Discussion of Tire Weights
Now that you’ve seen the basic ranges, let’s go a little deeper. Instead of more numbers, here’s what you should know about reading, measuring, and using tire weight information in real life.
How to read tire weight data
Most people don’t realize that tire weight isn’t usually printed on the sidewall. What you’ll find there are size codes (like 225/65R17) and load ratings. If you want the exact weight, you’ll need to check the manufacturer’s website, product catalog, or spec sheet. Many tire brands post this information online, so a quick search with your tire’s size and brand name usually gives you the answer.
How to weigh a tire at home or shop
If you’re curious about your own tires, you can measure the weight yourself. Here are two simple methods:
- At home: Use a bathroom scale. Step on the scale alone, note your weight, then step on it again while holding the tire. Subtract the difference to get the tire’s weight.
- At a shop: Tire shops often have larger, more accurate scales. If you’re getting new tires installed, you can ask them to weigh one for you.
When you should care about the exact weight
Knowing the exact tire weight isn’t always necessary, but there are times it really matters:
- Shipping or storage: If you’re ordering tires online or moving them, shipping costs are based on weight.
- Performance and fuel economy: Heavier tires can slightly lower gas mileage and change how a car handles.
- DIY lifting: If you plan to swap or rotate your tires yourself, knowing the weight helps you stay safe and avoid injury.
- Custom builds or upgrades: If you’re adding oversized or off-road tires, the extra weight can affect suspension and brakes, so it’s good to know ahead of time.
✅ Quick takeaway: You don’t need to memorize every tire weight. What matters is knowing how to find the information and when it actually impacts your wallet, your vehicle, or your safety.
Real-World Testing Notes
Charts and numbers are helpful, but the real test comes when you actually use the tires. Here are a few notes from real-world situations that show why tire weight matters:
Everyday driving
On a regular car or SUV, a slightly heavier tire can make the ride feel more solid, but it might also lower fuel efficiency a little. Drivers often notice the difference most when switching from standard all-season tires to larger all-terrain ones.
Off-road use
Off-road tires are heavier because of their thick tread and strong sidewalls. In real-world driving, this extra weight gives better grip on rocks, sand, or mud. The downside is that the vehicle may feel slower to accelerate and a bit harder to handle on smooth highways.
Long-distance trips
When tires are heavier, the engine works harder, which can reduce fuel economy during long road trips. This may not matter much for short city driving, but it adds up on long hauls.
Tire changes and repairs
A 20-pound car tire is easy to lift and move around, but a 70-pound truck tire is much more challenging. In real life, this affects how simple or difficult it is to change a flat on the side of the road or to rotate tires at home.
✅ Quick takeaway: Real-world experience shows that tire weight isn’t just a number — it changes how your vehicle drives, how much fuel you use, and even how easy it is to handle basic maintenance.
Maintenance Tips Tied to Tire Weight
The weight of your tires affects more than just how your car feels on the road. It also plays a role in how you should care for them. Here are some simple tips:
1. Rotate tires regularly
Heavier tires, like truck or off-road models, put more stress on certain spots. Rotating them every 5,000–7,000 miles helps spread out the wear and keeps them lasting longer.
2. Check air pressure often
Heavy tires need the right air pressure to carry their load safely. Underinflated heavy tires can wear out faster, overheat, or even fail. Make it a habit to check tire pressure at least once a month.
3. Store with care
If you’re storing large or heavy tires, don’t stack them too high — the weight can cause the lower ones to lose shape. Instead, keep them upright in a cool, dry place.
4. Lift safely
Car tires are light enough for most people to handle alone, but larger tires (like truck or tractor tires) may require two people or special equipment. Always lift with your legs, not your back, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
5. Keep an eye on suspension and brakes
Heavier tires add more stress to your vehicle’s suspension and braking system. Regularly check for signs of extra wear, especially if you’ve upgraded to bigger tires than your vehicle originally had.
✅ Quick takeaway: Tire weight isn’t just about numbers. It affects how you rotate, inflate, store, and even lift your tires. A little extra care based on tire weight helps you stay safe and saves money in the long run.
Importance of Knowing Tire Weights
Most drivers don’t think about how much a tire weighs until they have to lift one, ship one, or pay extra for fuel. But tire weight matters more than you might expect.
Why tire weight matters
- Fuel efficiency: Heavier tires require more energy to roll. That means your engine burns more fuel, especially on long trips.
- Performance: A lighter tire can improve handling and make your car feel quicker, while a heavier one can give more stability but reduce acceleration.
- Maintenance costs: Heavier tires put extra strain on suspension parts, brakes, and even wheel bearings. Over time, this can lead to more repairs.
Safety considerations
- Lifting hazards: Even a 40-pound tire can be awkward to carry. Lifting the wrong way may cause back strain.
- Blowout risk: A tire that’s too heavy for the vehicle — or not properly inflated — may overheat and fail, especially at highway speeds.
- Emergency changes: If you get a flat, knowing how heavy the tire is helps you prepare. You’ll know whether you can handle it alone or need roadside assistance.
Storage considerations
- Space needs: Heavier tires are usually larger, which means you’ll need more space in a garage or shed.
- Stacking safely: Stacking oversized or heavy tires too high can damage the ones on the bottom. Upright storage is safer.
- Moving them around: Plan ahead for how you’ll transport and store heavy sets — like using a dolly, cart, or second person.
✅ Quick takeaway: Knowing tire weights helps you make smarter choices about driving, safety, and storage. It saves fuel, reduces stress on your vehicle, and makes sure you’re prepared for real-life situations — from rotating your tires to changing a flat on the roadside.
Conclusion
So, how much does a tire weigh? It depends. Passenger car tires may weigh as little as 15 pounds, while the largest tractor tires can tip the scale at over 400 pounds.
Tire weight affects performance, safety, and practicality. Whether you’re buying new tires, preparing for rotation, or hauling spares, knowing these numbers can help you make smarter choices and protect your back in the process.
FAQ
Does wheel material change the total weight a lot?
Yes — steel wheels are usually heavier than forged or cast alloy wheels. The wheel can add 15–30+ lb depending on size and material, so it’s a significant part of the assembly weight.
Do run-flat tires weigh more?
Typically yes. Run-flat reinforcements and inserts add material and can add several pounds per tire. Always check the manufacturer spec.
How much extra fuel does a heavier tire cost?
There’s no single number — heavier rotational mass lowers efficiency slightly; measurable differences show up mainly in aggressive driving or when upsizing all four corners. If fuel economy is critical, target lightweight wheel + low-rolling-resistance tire combinations.
