Payload calculator: how much can my truck carry?
Payload is the total weight of people and cargo your truck can carry, including the trailer’s tongue weight. The fastest way to find it is the yellow sticker on the driver’s door jamb: “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed” a number of pounds. If you only have specs, payload is GVWR minus curb weight.
Check your payload
The door-jamb 'combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed' number.
Bed cover, rack, tool box, bigger tires.
1,330 lb used, 280 lb left (82.6%)
- Within · Payload used: 1,330 of 1,610 lb (82.6%)
Show the math
Payload = GVWR − curb weight.
Payload used = people + cargo + accessories + hitch hardware + tongue weight.
Payload left = payload − payload used.
How to use
- Enter the payload number from your door-jamb sticker. No sticker handy? Switch to GVWR and curb weight.
- Add each person who rides along.
- Add cargo and anything bolted on after the factory: bed cover, rack, tool box, bigger tires.
- If you tow, enter the tongue weight, or the trailer weight and let the calculator work it out.
- The result shows pounds used, pounds left and the percentage.
The formula
- Payload = GVWR − curb weight
- Payload used = people + cargo + accessories + hitch hardware + tongue weight
- Payload left = payload − payload used
Example 1: four people and a small trailer in a 2026 Tacoma
The 2026 Tacoma TRD Off-Road Double Cab 5-ft 4x4 automatic has 1,610 lb of payload. Four adults weigh 680 lb, there’s 150 lb of gear, and the trailer puts 500 lb on the hitch. That’s 1,330 lb used, 280 lb left, or 82.6% of payload.
Example 2: the 2026 Tundra SR5 and a 9,000 lb travel trailer
Toyota lists 1,830 lb payload for the 2026 Tundra SR5 Double Cab 6.5-ft bed 4x2. Two adults (400 lb), 350 lb of gear, a 95 lb weight-distribution hitch, and 1,080 lb of tongue weight (12% of 9,000): 1,925 lb. That’s 95 lb over payload, even though the trailer is well under the truck’s 12,000 lb tow rating.
What this calculator doesn't cover
It doesn’t split the load between front and rear axles, so it can’t check your rear axle rating (GAWR) or tire load. It uses the payload you enter; aftermarket parts installed before you bought the truck may already have used some of it. For the true number, weigh the empty truck with a full tank and subtract from GVWR.
Reference table: weights people forget
| Item | Typical weight | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | 8.34 lb per gallon | USGS |
| Weight-distribution hitch | 70 to 100 lb | typical |
| Hard tonneau cover | 50 to 100 lb | typical |
| Each adult (our default) | 180 lb | Your estimate; the federal placard method uses 150 lb (49 CFR 571.110) |
“Typical” values are shown as ranges with no brand names. Only USGS and the federal 150 lb value carry a source link.
Tips
- The door-jamb number is for your exact truck as built. Brochure payload is the best case for the lightest version.
- Every option adds weight and lowers payload. A 4x4 with a sunroof and big wheels can have hundreds of pounds less than the brochure figure.
- Tongue weight is the item people forget most. Count it every time you tow.
FAQ
How do you calculate your payload?
Take GVWR from the door-jamb sticker and subtract the truck’s curb weight. Most trucks built for the US also print the result directly on the tire and loading placard: “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed” a number. That number already reflects your truck’s options, so it’s the one to use.
What is the formula for payload?
Payload = GVWR − curb weight. To see what’s left on a trip, subtract people, cargo, accessories, hitch hardware and tongue weight from that payload. If the result is below zero, the truck is over its gross vehicle weight rating.
What does 2,000 lb payload mean?
It means people, cargo and the trailer’s tongue weight together can add up to 2,000 lb before the truck reaches its GVWR. Two 200 lb adults and a 1,000 lb tongue from an 8,000 lb trailer at 12.5% already use 1,400 lb, leaving 600 lb for everything in the bed and cab.
Does payload include the driver?
Yes. Payload is everything added to the empty truck, and the driver counts. The federal loading placard calculation starts from the full payload and subtracts every occupant, driver included. Curb weight includes a full tank of fuel but nobody inside.
Does tongue weight count as payload?
Yes. The trailer’s tongue rests on your hitch, so its weight is carried by the truck. Federal owner’s-manual rules even describe it as load transferred to your vehicle. A 7,000 lb trailer at 12% puts 840 lb on payload.
Where is the payload sticker on my truck?
On the driver’s door frame (the B-pillar) or the rear edge of the driver’s door, on the yellow and white Tire and Loading Information label. Federal rule FMVSS 110 requires it on light vehicles up to 10,000 lb GVWR.
Related tools and pages
Sources
- Toyota, 2026 Tacoma full specifications (Weights/Capacities) · read 2026-10-19
- Toyota, 2026 Tundra full specifications (Weights/Capacities) · read 2026-10-19
- 49 CFR 571.110 (tire and loading placard) · read 2026-10-19
- 49 CFR 575.6 (owner's manual load steps) · read 2026-10-19
- USGS, How much does water weigh · read 2026-10-19
Written by Sikander Mushtaq. I build HitchMath's calculators and check every towing number against the manufacturer's own guide or spec page. Read how we calculate.
Last updated: 2026-10-19 · Editorial policy
HitchMath figures come from manufacturer documents and are for planning only. Your truck's door-jamb sticker, owner's manual and a scale ticket are the final word.