T speed rating
T at the end of a tire’s service description, as in 90T, is the speed rating for 190 km/h (118 mph).
Easily confused with
How to read it
On the speed rating chart used by USTMA and Bridgestone, T is 190 km/h (118 mph), between S at 180 km/h (112 mph) and U at 200 km/h (124 mph). NHTSA’s booklet lists T at 118 mph. Bridgestone’s manual gives P205/60R15 90T as an example: load index 90 and speed rating T. Pirelli’s chart lists T tires for family sedans and vans. See the full chart.
Also searched as: T 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.
T at the start or the end
The same letter at the start of a size, as in T125/80R15, marks a temporary spare. The two can appear on one tire: Bridgestone’s example spare is T125/80R15 95M, with speed rating M, 130 km/h (81 mph).
What the rating certifies
BFGoodrich describes a speed rating as the maximum speed at which the tire can carry its rated load under specified conditions, not a recommendation to drive there. It gives T as 118 mph.
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
- Replacement Tire Selection Manual, Ref. No. P-06-01, August 2006, Bridgestone Americas, pp. 5, 7
- Tire Safety: Everything Rides On It, DOT HS 809 361, U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (GovInfo), Speed Rating
- Speed and Load Rating Charts Explained, Bridgestone Australia, Tyre speed symbol table
- Tire speed rating, Pirelli Tire North America, Tire speed rating chart
- Tire Speed Rating Chart & Tire Tread Life, BFGoodrich Tires (Michelin North America), FAQ
Last reviewed September 29, 2026 by Rory Hansen. How we research