Payload Calculator
The Payload Calculator shows how much more weight your truck can carry. It subtracts curb weight from GVWR to find available payload, then subtracts passengers (150 lbs each by default), cargo and trailer tongue weight, and reports the payload remaining and the percentage used, color-coded green, yellow or red.
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How this tool works
Enter GVWR (printed on the driver's door-jamb label) and curb weight, or select your vehicle to auto-fill both from the TowingServiceHub towing capacity database. Then enter the number of passengers, average passenger weight (150 lbs by default), cargo weight and trailer tongue weight (0 if you aren't towing).
The formula is: available payload = GVWR − curb weight; weight used = passengers × average passenger weight + cargo + tongue weight; remaining payload = available − used. The usage bar is green up to 70% of available payload, yellow above 70% up to 90%, and red above 90%. A negative remaining figure means the loaded truck is over its GVWR.
Limitations: published curb weights usually reflect a base configuration, and options, bed accessories, toolboxes and a full fuel tank all add weight. Weigh your truck on a scale for an exact starting number.
Payload worked examples
| Vehicle (GVWR / curb) | Load | Available | Used | Remaining | % used | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Ford F-150 XLT 2.7L V6 EcoBoost (7,050 / 4,830) | Driver only | 2,220 lbs | 150 lbs | 2,070 lbs | 7% | OK (≤70%) |
| 2025 Ford F-150 XLT 2.7L V6 EcoBoost (7,050 / 4,830) | 2 people + 500 lbs cargo | 2,220 lbs | 800 lbs | 1,420 lbs | 36% | OK (≤70%) |
| 2025 Ford F-150 XLT 2.7L V6 EcoBoost (7,050 / 4,830) | 4 people + 500 lbs cargo | 2,220 lbs | 1,100 lbs | 1,120 lbs | 50% | OK (≤70%) |
| 2025 Ford F-150 XLT 2.7L V6 EcoBoost (7,050 / 4,830) | 2 people + 500 lbs cargo + 600 lbs tongue | 2,220 lbs | 1,400 lbs | 820 lbs | 63% | OK (≤70%) |
| 2025 Ford F-150 XLT 2.7L V6 EcoBoost (7,050 / 4,830) | 4 people + 500 lbs cargo + 900 lbs tongue | 2,220 lbs | 2,000 lbs | 220 lbs | 90% | Caution (71–90%) |
| 2025 Ford F-150 XLT 2.7L V6 EcoBoost (7,050 / 4,830) | 5 people + 800 lbs cargo + 900 lbs tongue | 2,220 lbs | 2,450 lbs | -230 lbs | 110% | Over limit (>90%) |
| 2026 RAM 2500 Tradesman 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (10,000 / 6,010) | 4 people + 500 lbs cargo + 1,500 lbs tongue | 3,990 lbs | 2,600 lbs | 1,390 lbs | 65% | OK (≤70%) |
| 2026 RAM 2500 Tradesman 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (10,000 / 6,010) | 5 people + 1,000 lbs cargo + 2,000 lbs tongue | 3,990 lbs | 3,750 lbs | 240 lbs | 94% | Over limit (>90%) |
GVWR and curb weight for each truck come from the TowingServiceHub capacity database.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate payload capacity?
Subtract curb weight from GVWR. The 2025 Ford F-150 XLT in our examples has a 7,050-lb GVWR and 4,830-lb curb weight, leaving 2,220 lbs of payload. Then subtract everything you load, including people, cargo and trailer tongue weight. What's left is your remaining payload.
Does trailer tongue weight count against payload?
Yes. Tongue weight presses down on the hitch and counts the same as cargo. In our example, four passengers, 500 lbs of cargo and a 900-lb tongue use 90% of a 2,220-lb payload, leaving only 220 lbs.
What passenger weight does the payload calculator assume?
It defaults to 150 lbs per passenger, the value pre-filled in the average passenger weight field. You can change it to match your actual occupants. Using realistic weights, including the driver, gives a more accurate remaining-payload figure.
What happens if I exceed my truck's payload?
The calculator shows a negative remaining payload, and the usage bar turns red once you pass 90%. Going over payload puts the truck over its GVWR, the maximum weight it is rated to carry. Reduce cargo, passengers or tongue weight until the remaining payload is positive.
Where do I find my truck's GVWR and curb weight?
GVWR is printed on the certification label on the driver's door jamb. Curb weight is listed in the owner's manual or the manufacturer's spec sheet. You can also select your truck in the calculator to auto-fill both figures from our towing capacity database.
Related guides
- Payload Capacity Explained: How Much Can Your Truck Carry?
- Towing Capacity vs Payload: What's the Difference?
- Truck Bed Weight Capacity by Make & Model
