Trailer Tongue Weight Calculator
Check tongue weight, payload and hitch limits before you tow.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- 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
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.
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.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.