Trailer Tongue Weight Calculator
Check tongue weight, payload and hitch limits before you tow.
Enter your values
Enter the loaded trailer weight in lb.
Enter the measured tongue weight in lb.
Enter the vehicle payload capacity in lb.
Enter the passengers and cargo in the vehicle in lb.
Enter the vehicle tow rating in lb.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Tongue weight
- 11% of trailer weight
- Verdict
- In the safe 10–15% window
- Payload remaining
- 340 lb
- Payload check
- Within payload
- Tow rating check
- 3,000 lb of tow capacity spare
- Ideal tongue weight range
- 600–900 lb
Quick answer
Tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight for a conventional hitch, and 15–25% for a fifth wheel or gooseneck.
Tongue % = tongue weight ÷ loaded trailer weight × 100
At a glance
| What it does | Check tongue weight, payload and hitch limits before you tow. |
|---|---|
| Category | Auto |
| Inputs needed | Loaded trailer weight, Measured tongue weight, Vehicle payload capacity, Passengers and cargo in the vehicle, Vehicle tow rating |
| Main output | Tongue weight |
| Formula | Tongue % = tongue weight ÷ loaded trailer weight × 100 |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Trailer Tongue Weight Calculator
- 1Weigh the loaded trailer at a public scale.
- 2Measure tongue weight with a tongue scale or by the bathroom-scale-and-beam method.
- 3Enter your vehicle's payload and tow rating from the door placard.
Inputs explained
- Loaded trailer weight(lb)
- Enter the loaded trailer weight in lb.
- Measured tongue weight(lb)
- Enter the measured tongue weight in lb.
- Vehicle payload capacity(lb)
- Enter the vehicle payload capacity in lb.
- Passengers and cargo in the vehicle(lb)
- Enter the passengers and cargo in the vehicle in lb.
- Vehicle tow rating(lb)
- Enter the vehicle tow rating in lb.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Loaded trailer weight6000 lb
- Measured tongue weight660 lb
- Vehicle payload capacity1500 lb
- Passengers and cargo in the vehicle500 lb
- Vehicle tow rating9000 lb
Results
- Tongue weight11% of trailer weight
- VerdictIn the safe 10–15% window
- Payload remaining340 lb
- Payload checkWithin payload
- Tow rating check3,000 lb of tow capacity spare
- Ideal tongue weight range600–900 lb
Frequently asked questions
What causes trailer sway?
Too little tongue weight is the main cause — under 10% the trailer starts to steer the tow vehicle. Move heavy items ahead of the trailer axle.
Does tongue weight count against payload?
Yes. Tongue weight sits on the hitch and eats directly into the tow vehicle's payload, along with passengers and cargo.
What do I need to enter into the Trailer Tongue Weight Calculator?
Just 5 values: loaded trailer weight, measured tongue weight, vehicle payload capacity, passengers and cargo in the vehicle, vehicle tow rating. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Trailer Tongue Weight Calculator work out the answer?
Tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight for a conventional hitch, and 15–25% for a fifth wheel or gooseneck. It applies the formula Tongue % = tongue weight ÷ loaded trailer weight × 100 and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Trailer Tongue Weight Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.