What this tool answers
You need a first-pass jack-stand pair capacity before supporting a passenger car, crossover, or light truck. The calculator estimates minimum pair rating from (GVWR ÷ 2) × 1.5, then names the smallest class on this site’s ladder (6,600 or 13,000 lb — labeled 3 / 6 ton) that clears the estimate. It is not a support procedure, axle-weight study, or substitute for manufacturer instructions.
Why half of GVWR, then 1.5×
DIY guides often treat one raised end as roughly half of total vehicle weight, then add margin so the pair rating is not run at the edge. On this site: required_lb ≈ (GVWR ÷ 2) × 1.5 (= GVWR × 0.75). Always use GVWR from the door sticker when available, not empty curb weight alone.
Stands hold; jacks lift
A floor jack is a lifting device, not a support. Hydraulic seals can fail; a jack can creep down. Before you put any part of your body under a raised vehicle, place rated jack stands under solid jacking points on firm, level ground and lower the vehicle onto the stands.
Class ladder on this site
Classes are pair-rated capacities expressed in pounds: 3 ton = 6,600 lb, 6 ton = 13,000 lb. The tool picks the smallest class whose rated_lb is greater than or equal to required_lb. Terrain is not used — only GVWR in pounds.
When the answer is NO_MATCH
If required capacity exceeds 13,000 lb (for example GVWR 18,000 → required 13,500), this site returns NO_MATCH for its published class ladder. Typical next steps: a higher-rated stand set or professional lift equipment. Do not force an undersized consumer pair.
Safety notes
Support only at manufacturer-approved points. Chock wheels. Work on solid, level pavement — not soft asphalt in hot weather if the stands can sink. Keep people clear of the vehicle path. This site does not certify lifts or stand placements.
Sources
Engineer Fix and LoyalAxles consumer/industrial capacity explainers describing GVWR, half-vehicle estimates, and round-up. VEVOR US jack-stand product pages for rated classes dated in products.json (checked 2026-09-10, HTTP 200).