W speed rating
W at the end of a tire’s service description, as in 93W, is the speed rating for 270 km/h (168 mph).
How to read it
On the chart used by USTMA and Bridgestone, W is 270 km/h (168 mph), between V at 240 km/h (149 mph) and Y at 300 km/h (186 mph). Michelin and BFGoodrich give W as 168 mph. BFGoodrich says W and Y were added above Z to match the speeds of exotic sports cars. See the full chart.
Also searched as: W 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.
W with or without ZR
Because a W tire is rated above 240 km/h (149 mph), its size may include a Z. USTMA and Bridgestone give P275/40R17 93W and P275/40ZR17 93W as the same speed rating, 168 mph; P275/40ZR17 with no service description is only known to be over 149 mph, and they refer to the tire’s maker for the figure. See ZR in a tire size.
Read next
- Next in Tire sidewall markingsY speed ratingY at the end of a tire’s service description, as in 93Y, is the speed rating for 300 km/h (186 mph). In brackets, (Y) means over 300 km/h.
- The same shape in Accessibility symbolsAudio description symbol (AD)AD stands for audio description: a narrator describes what is happening on screen or on stage in the pauses between the dialogue, for people who are blind or have low vision.
More tire sidewall markings
The same shape elsewhere
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, p. 7
- 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
Researched, edited and approved by Rory Hansen before publishing. Last reviewed September 29, 2026. How we research
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