Payload Size Calculator
Enter the gross vehicle weight rating and kerb weight from the door sticker, the number of people, any trailer and its tongue weight share, and the cargo already loaded. The calculator shows the payload capacity and how much is left.
- Payload capacity
- Payload left
- Overload check
People are counted at 80 kg or 175 lb each.
Payload is the gross vehicle weight rating minus the kerb weight. Everything you add comes off it: people, tools, accessories and the tongue weight of a trailer. A pickup rated 3,200 kg with a 2,300 kg kerb weight has 900 kg of payload. Two adults and a 2,000 kg trailer at 12% leave about 500 kg for cargo.
Payload examples
Typical ratings. Search for a vehicle type.
| Vehicle | GVWR (kg) | Kerb (kg) | Payload (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small van | 2200 | 1450 | 750 |
| Mid pickup | 3000 | 2050 | 950 |
| Full-size pickup | 3200 | 2300 | 900 |
| Large van | 3500 | 2200 | 1300 |
| Heavy pickup | 4500 | 3400 | 1100 |
| SUV | 2700 | 2100 | 600 |
Check your own door sticker.
Cargo and payload
3,200 kg GVWR, 2,300 kg kerb, two adults. Slide the cargo.
The bar under the truck fills with people and cargo.
How to work out payload
Sticker to load. Step through it.
Find GVWR
Door sticker.
Weigh the loaded vehicle at a public weighbridge if you are near the limit.
Payload, towing or GCWR
Weight ratings. Compare them.
In the vehicle.
Behind it.
All together.
The gross combined weight rating limits the vehicle and trailer together.
Before you load
Payload checks. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
Overloading affects braking, steering and tyres, and can void insurance.
What you get
Payload check. Each tile explains one result.
Payload.
Weight.
Trailer.
Loaded.
Or over.
Tongue weight should be 10% to 15% of the trailer for stable towing.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
How do I calculate payload?
Subtract the kerb weight from the gross vehicle weight rating.
Where do I find my payload rating?
On the sticker inside the driver's door, or in the owner's manual.
Does trailer tongue weight count towards payload?
Yes. All the tongue weight presses on the vehicle and comes off the payload.
How much tongue weight should a trailer have?
About ten to fifteen per cent of the loaded trailer weight.
Do passengers count towards payload?
Yes, everyone on board counts, including the driver, unless the maker says otherwise.
What happens if I exceed payload?
Brakes, steering and tyres are overloaded, and it may be illegal and void insurance.
Do accessories reduce payload?
Yes. Bull bars, toppers, racks and winches all come off it.
Load within the limit
Know your payload, count everything that goes in or hangs on, and you stay safe and legal.
More size calculators
Each one has its own calculator, worked examples and answers to common questions.