H speed rating
H at the end of a tire’s service description, as in 95H, is the speed rating for 210 km/h (130 mph).
How to read it
On the chart used by USTMA and Bridgestone, H is 210 km/h (130 mph), between U at 200 km/h (124 mph) and V at 240 km/h (149 mph). Michelin and BFGoodrich give H as 130 mph. The example size in Ford’s owner’s manual, P215/65R15 95H, carries it. Pirelli’s chart lists H tires for sport sedans and coupes. See the full chart.
Also searched as: H rated tire.
What each marking means under the standard that defines it. This page describes markings; it doesn’t advise on choosing, fitting, inflating or replacing tires.
Why H is out of order
H breaks the chart’s alphabetical order. BFGoodrich says H sits between U and V because it was commonly taken at one time to stand for “high performance”, and Pirelli notes that apart from H, and sometimes Z, letters nearer the end of the alphabet mean higher speeds.
More tire sidewall markings
Browse symbols drawn with curves and waves or letters and numbers.
Sources
- Tire Care and Safety Guide, U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), Speed Symbol, p. 8
- Tire Load Rating & Speed Rating Explained, Michelin North America, FAQ
- Tire Speed Rating Chart & Tire Tread Life, BFGoodrich Tires (Michelin North America), Speed rating; FAQ
- Speed and Load Rating Charts Explained, Bridgestone Australia, Tyre speed symbol table
- 2024 Ford Escape Owner’s Manual, Ford Motor Company, Wheel and Tire Information, pp. 385-386
- Tire speed rating, Pirelli Tire North America, Tire speed rating
Last reviewed September 29, 2026 by Rory Hansen. How we research