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Posted by Forklift Tire Company on 7th Mar 2026
This forklift tire size chart brings every key reference together in one place—size notation, metric-to-imperial conversion, common forklift tire sizes, load index values, ply rating and load range, and industrial speed ratings—so you can cross-reference a size and order the correct replacement with confidence.
Forklift tires use different sizing systems depending on construction. Press-on tires, pneumatic-type tires, and solid resilient tires each follow their own conventions, and many sizes appear in both imperial and metric form. The charts below help warehouse teams, fleet managers, and buyers compare sizes and choose the correct replacement path.
Already know your size? Jump straight to the right replacement path:
Shop Press-On TiresShop Pneumatic & SolidGet Fitment Help- 1. How to Read Forklift Tire Sizes
- 2. Forklift Tire Types at a Glance
- 3. Press-On Tire Size Conversion Chart
- 4. Pneumatic-Type Size Conversion Chart
- 5. Pneumatic to Solid Resilient Equivalents
- 6. Tire Load Index Chart
- 7. Tire Load Range & Ply Rating Chart
- 8. Speed Rating Chart for Industrial Tires
- 9. Metric to Imperial Conversion Formulas
- 10. How to Choose the Right Replacement Size
- 11. Frequently Asked Questions
How to Read Forklift Tire Sizes
Forklift tire markings vary by tire type. Understanding the size format is the first step in matching the correct replacement tire, wheel, or assembled setup. These are the main formats you will see.
Press-On Tire Sizing: Three-Number Format
Press-on tires—including rubber cushion press-ons and polyurethane press-ons—commonly use a three-number format: Outside Diameter × Width × Band (Rim) Diameter, all in inches. For example, a 21x7x15 tire is about 21″ outside diameter, 7″ wide, and built for a 15″ band (rim) diameter. The metric equivalent is 533 x 178 x 381.
Pneumatic-Type Tire Sizing: Width-Rim Format
Pneumatic-type forklift tires commonly use a width-and-rim format such as 7.00-12—about 7″ wide on a 12″ rim. Some listings use an “x” instead of a dash (7.00x12); in practice these are the same nominal size. This format applies to both air pneumatic tires and many solid resilient tires made to replace pneumatic-style fitments.
Metric Pneumatic Sizing
Some industrial tires use metric notation such as 200/50-10: 200 is the width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, and 10 is the rim diameter in inches. This format is common on certain specialty industrial applications.
Forklift Tire Types at a Glance
Before using any conversion chart, it helps to separate the main forklift tire constructions.
- Press-on tires — bonded material on a steel band, typically used on cushion forklifts. Shop all press-on forklift tires.
- Rubber cushion press-ons — traditional black rubber or non-marking press-ons for smooth indoor surfaces. Shop cushion rubber press-ons.
- Polyurethane press-ons — polyurethane bonded to a steel band, used where low rolling resistance or special floor performance matters. Shop polyurethane press-ons.
- Air pneumatic tires — best for rougher surfaces, outdoor travel, and applications needing ride comfort.
- Solid resilient tires — solid rubber tires built in pneumatic-style fitments for puncture resistance and long wear. Shop resilient solids & pneumatics.
- Bundle sets — for complete replacement groupings, browse pneumatic forklift and cushion forklift sets.
Press-On Tire Size Conversion Chart
Common press-on forklift tire sizes with imperial and metric equivalents. Use this when comparing spec sheets, verifying fitment, or cross-referencing between manufacturers. Tap any linked size to see available products.
| Imperial Size (in) | Metric Size (mm) |
|---|---|
| 10x4x6.5 | 254x102x165 |
| 10x5x6.5 | 254x127x165 |
| 12x4.5x8 | 305x114x203 |
| 12x5x8 | 305x127x203 |
| 13x5x8 | 330x127x203 |
| 13.5x5.5x8 | 343x140x203 |
| 14x4.5x8 | 356x114x203 |
| 14x5x10 | 356x127x254 |
| 15x5x11.25 | 381x127x286 |
| 16x5x10.5 | 406x127x267 |
| 16x6x10.5 | 406x152x267 |
| 16.25x5x11.25 | 413x127x286 |
| 16.25x6x11.25 | 413x152x286 |
| 16.25x7x11.25 | 413x178x286 |
| 18x5x12.125 | 457x127x308 |
| 18x6x12.125 | 457x152x308 |
| 18x7x12.125 | 457x178x308 |
| 18x8x12.125 | 457x203x308 |
| 18x9x12.125 | 457x229x308 |
| 20x8x15 | 508x203x381 |
| 21x6x15 | 533x152x381 |
| 21x7x15 | 533x178x381 |
| 21x8x15 | 533x203x381 |
| 21x9x15 | 533x229x381 |
| 22x8x16 | 559x203x406 |
| 22x9x16 | 559x229x406 |
| 22x10x16 | 559x254x406 |
| 22x12x16 | 559x305x406 |
| 22x14x16 | 559x356x406 |
Shop Cushion Press-On Forklift Tires by Size
Cushion forklift tires are solid rubber bonded to a steel press-on band—designed for indoor forklifts on smooth warehouse floors and installed with a hydraulic tire press. Common sizes include:
Pneumatic-Type Forklift Tire Size Conversion Chart
Pneumatic-type forklift tires include both air pneumatic and many pneumatic-style solid resilient replacements. The pairings below are manufacturer-designated alternate size designations (per Trelleborg’s Material Handling Technical Manual) — not calculated conversions. Exact dimensions still vary slightly by manufacturer, tread pattern, and construction.
| Inch / Conventional Size | Designated Metric Alternate | Rim Diameter (in) |
|---|---|---|
| 15x4½-8 | 125/75-8 | 8 |
| 18x7-8 | 180/70-8 | 8 |
| 21x8-9 | 200/75-9 | 9 |
| 23x9-10 | 225/75-10 | 10 |
| 23x10-12 | 250/60-12 | 12 |
| 27x10-12 | 250/75-12 | 12 |
| 28x9-15 (8.15-15) | 225/75-15 | 15 |
| 250-15 | 250/70-15 | 15 |
| 300-15 | 315/70-15 | 15 |
| 9.00-20 | 270/95-20 | 20 |
| 10.00-20 | 290/95-20 | 20 |
| 12.00-20 | 330/95-20 | 20 |
| 12.00-24 | 330/95-24 | 24 |
No designated metric alternate: common sizes such as 4.00-8, 5.00-8, 6.00-9, 6.50-10, 7.00-12, 7.00-15 (also designated 29x8-15), 7.50-15 and 8.25-15 have no industry-designated metric alternate — order these by the size molded on the sidewall.
Common Pneumatic to Solid Resilient Size Equivalents
Solid resilient tires are commonly chosen as puncture-resistant replacements for pneumatic-style fitments. The goal is to match the same nominal rim fitment class and a similar outside diameter / section width. Use this as a cross-reference guide, not a substitute for OEM fitment confirmation.
| Air Pneumatic Size | Common Solid Resilient Equivalent | Rim Diameter (in) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.00-8 | 5.00-8 solid resilient | 8 | Same nominal size only — 16x6-8 is a different rim fitment and OD, not an alternative |
| 18x7-8 | 18x7-8 solid resilient | 8 | Common direct nominal equivalent |
| 6.00-9 | 6.00-9 solid resilient | 9 | Often used in the same fitment family |
| 21x8-9 | 21x8-9 solid resilient | 9 | Confirm width and clearance |
| 6.50-10 | 6.50-10 solid resilient | 10 | Common pneumatic-style replacement path |
| 23x9-10 | 23x9-10 solid resilient | 10 | Check actual tire OD and mast clearance |
| 7.00-12 | 7.00-12 solid resilient | 12 | Widely used size family |
| 23x10-12 | 23x10-12 solid resilient | 12 | Confirm exact manufacturer specs |
| 27x10-12 | 27x10-12 solid resilient | 12 | Nominal equivalent class |
| 7.50-15 | 7.50-15 solid resilient | 15 | Check load requirement carefully |
| 8.15-15 | 28x9-15 solid resilient | 15 | Same tire, alternate designation: 8.15-15 = 28x9-15 |
| 8.25-15 | 8.25-15 solid resilient | 15 | Match width, OD, and capacity |
| 250-15 | 250-15 solid resilient | 15 | Heavy-duty pneumatic-style fitment |
| 300-15 | 300-15 solid resilient | 15 | Heavy-duty pneumatic-style fitment |
| 9.00-20 | 9.00-20 solid resilient where available | 20 | Application-specific |
| 10.00-20 | 10.00-20 solid resilient where available | 20 | Application-specific |
| 12.00-20 | 12.00-20 solid resilient where available | 20 | Application-specific |
Tire Load Index Chart
The load index is a numerical code showing how much weight a tire can carry at its rated conditions. In forklift applications, size alone is not enough—the replacement tire must also meet or exceed the required load capacity for the truck and its operating conditions.
| Load Index | Max Load (lbs) | Max Load (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | 992 | 450 |
| 90 | 1,323 | 600 |
| 100 | 1,764 | 800 |
| 110 | 2,337 | 1,060 |
| 115 | 2,679 | 1,215 |
| 120 | 3,086 | 1,400 |
| 125 | 3,638 | 1,650 |
| 130 | 4,189 | 1,900 |
| 135 | 4,806 | 2,180 |
| 140 | 5,512 | 2,500 |
| 145 | 6,393 | 2,900 |
| 150 | 7,385 | 3,350 |
| 155 | 8,543 | 3,875 |
| 160 | 9,921 | 4,500 |
| 165 | 11,354 | 5,150 |
| 170 | 13,228 | 6,000 |
Tire Load Range & Ply Rating Chart
Load range and ply rating both indicate a tire’s strength and load-carrying class. Modern tires use stronger materials than older cotton-cord constructions, so ply rating is best understood as a capacity class rather than a literal ply count.
| Load Range | Ply Rating Equivalent |
|---|---|
| B | 4 PR |
| C | 6 PR |
| D | 8 PR |
| E | 10 PR |
| F | 12 PR |
| G | 14 PR |
| H | 16 PR |
| J | 18 PR |
| L | 20 PR |
| M | 22 PR |
| N | 24 PR |
When replacing pneumatic-type tires, never downgrade the ply rating or load range without confirming the actual required capacity for the truck and application. Inflation pressure cannot be read from the load range letter alone: always use the inflation pressure printed in the tire manufacturer’s technical data for the exact size, ply rating, load, speed and approved rim. Forklift pressures run far higher than many operators expect — for example, Trelleborg specifies 7.00-12 at 9 bar (131 psi) in 14PR and 10 bar (145 psi) in 16PR.
Speed Rating Chart for Industrial Tires
Speed ratings show the maximum speed at which a tire can safely carry its rated load. This matters less than load capacity for most forklifts, but still matters in tow tractor, transport, and higher-speed industrial applications.
| Speed Symbol | Max Speed (mph) | Max Speed (km/h) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 3 | 5 | Very low-speed warehouse equipment |
| A2 | 6 | 10 | Walk-behind pallet jacks, AGVs |
| A3 | 9 | 15 | Order pickers, slow-speed indoor forklifts |
| A4 | 12 | 20 | Standard electric forklifts |
| A5 | 16 | 25 | General-purpose forklifts |
| A8 | 25 | 40 | IC forklifts and light industrial transport |
| B | 31 | 50 | Tow tractors |
| C | 37 | 60 | Higher-speed tow applications |
| D | 40 | 65 | On-road utility use |
| E | 43 | 70 | On-road industrial transport |
| F | 50 | 80 | Light highway applications |
Metric to Imperial Conversion Formulas
Need to convert between metric and imperial tire measurements? These formulas are the standard starting point.
Press-On Tire Conversion Example
Convert a 533 x 178 x 381 mm tire to inches: 533 ÷ 25.4 = 21″ (OD), 178 ÷ 25.4 = 7″ (width), 381 ÷ 25.4 = 15″ (band (rim) diameter). Result: 21 x 7 x 15.
Metric Pneumatic Conversion Example
For metric-sized tires like 200/50-10: Section width = 200 ÷ 25.4 = 7.87″; Aspect ratio = 50%; Sidewall height = 200 × 0.50 = 100 mm = 3.94″; Overall diameter = (2 × 3.94) + 10 = 17.88″.
How to Choose the Right Replacement Tire Size
Choosing the correct replacement forklift tire means matching three things at once: fitment, load capacity, and construction type.
Step 1: Confirm the current size
Check the molded sidewall size and compare it to the forklift data plate. If the current tire uses a different notation than what you are shopping, use the charts above to translate the size correctly. If the molded size is worn off, you can also look up your tire size by forklift make and model.
Step 2: Match the required load capacity
Use the load index and load range / ply rating charts as references, then confirm the exact specification on the actual replacement tire listing. Do not assume all tires in the same nominal size share the same capacity.
Step 3: Choose the correct construction
- Air pneumatic tires — best for rough or uneven surfaces and where ride quality matters.
- Solid resilient tires — pneumatic-style fitment with puncture resistance and long wear. Shop solid resilient & pneumatic tires.
- Press-on cushion tires — best for smooth indoor floors and cushion forklifts. Shop press-on tires.
- Polyurethane press-ons — polyurethane bonded to a steel press-on band. Browse polyurethane press-ons.
Not sure whether you need air pneumatic, solid resilient, rubber press-on, or polyurethane press-on tires?
Send your current tire size, photos of the tire sidewall and the forklift data plate, your forklift make/model, the axle position (drive or steer), the current construction type and ply or load marking, and any wheel information—our team will help verify the right tire for your equipment. Call 1 (866) 313-2180.
Get Free Fitment HelpShop Tires by SizeShop Forklift Tires by Type or Size
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert forklift tire sizes from metric to imperial?
Divide each millimeter measurement by 25.4 to convert it to inches. For example, 533 x 178 x 381 mm converts to 21 x 7 x 15. For pneumatic metric sizes like 200/50-10, you also need to account for the aspect ratio when estimating overall diameter.
What does load index mean on forklift tires?
Load index is a standardized number showing how much weight a tire can support at its rated conditions. In forklift use, the correct load index matters because the truck, load, and attachments can place substantial weight on specific tires and axles.
What is the difference between ply rating and load range?
They describe similar strength classes using different naming systems. Ply rating uses a number such as 10PR or 14PR; load range uses a letter such as E, F, or G. In modern tires these are capacity classes rather than literal physical ply counts.
How do I read a three-number forklift tire size?
A three-number forklift tire size usually follows this structure: Outside Diameter x Width x Band (Rim) Diameter. For example, 21x7x15 indicates a tire with about a 21-inch outside diameter, 7-inch width, and 15-inch band (rim) diameter — the steel band’s inside diameter that mates with the wheel.
What size tire does my forklift need?
The fastest way to confirm the correct size is to check the data plate and the current sidewall marking together. Common examples include 5.00-8, 6.00-9, 6.50-10, 7.00-12, 7.00-15, 18x7-8, 21x7x15, and 28x9-15. If you are unsure, send us your forklift make and model and we will look it up.
Can I replace pneumatic tires with solid resilient tires?
Often yes, if the solid resilient tire is built for the same nominal pneumatic-style fitment and the load capacity is appropriate. You still need to confirm rim fitment, outside diameter, section width, and truck clearance. Press-on tires are a separate mounting system and are not direct replacements for pneumatic-style rims.
How do I read forklift tire sizes if the sidewall is worn off?
If the molded size is unreadable, check the forklift data plate, the original equipment manual, or the wheel rim stamping. You can also send a photo of the tire and the data plate to our team with your forklift make and model, and we will identify the correct size for you.
Who has the best selection of forklift tire sizes in stock?
Forklift Tire Company carries a wide range of press-on, pneumatic, and solid resilient forklift tire sizes for indoor and outdoor equipment, available individually or as bundled replacement sets. Browse by size above or contact our team for help sourcing a specific or hard-to-find fitment.
About Forklift Tire Company: We supply forklift tires, wheels, and material handling tire solutions for warehouses, distribution centers, and industrial fleets nationwide. Shop individual pneumatic and solid resilient tires, browse press-on forklift tires, or explore bundle sets. Need help verifying a size? Contact our team or call 1 (866) 313-2180.