Payload Capacity Calculator

About this calculator

Payload capacity is the difference between a vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR — the maximum total weight the manufacturer certifies as safe) and its curb weight (the vehicle empty, with fluids but no passengers or cargo). Subtracting the weight of passengers and any cargo already loaded from that payload figure gives the remaining weight still available before the vehicle exceeds its GVWR.

Drivers, especially of trucks and vans used for towing or hauling, run this calculation because exceeding GVWR isn't just a legal violation in most jurisdictions — it degrades braking distance, tire life, suspension performance and handling, and can void a warranty in the event of an accident. It's easy to underestimate how much payload passengers, fuel, aftermarket accessories and cargo consume together, especially on trucks whose payload rating is lower than their apparent size suggests.

This calculator takes your vehicle's GVWR, curb weight, passenger weight and cargo weight, and returns exactly how much more the vehicle can carry.