Window Tint Calculator
Calculate your final window tint percentage (VLT), check state laws for legality, and estimate tinting costs. Works for cars, SUVs, and trucks.
VLT Formula
Example: 35% film on 80% glass = (35 × 80) ÷ 100 = 28% VLT
🔢 Tint Settings
Most car windows are 70-80% VLT from factory
🎯 Final VLT Result
Final Tint Percentage
28%
Visible Light Transmission
Visual Preview
Calculation
80% × 35% = 28%
Legality in Texas
📊 Window Tint Percentage Chart
| Tint Level | VLT % | Light Blocked | Description | Common Legal Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limo Tint | 5% | 95% | Almost completely dark | Rear only in most states |
| Very Dark | 15% | 85% | Difficult to see inside | Rear windows, some states back side |
| Dark | 20% | 80% | Good privacy, low visibility | TX, NM front; most states rear |
| Medium | 35% | 65% | Balance of privacy & visibility | Most common legal limit |
| Light | 50% | 50% | Moderate tint, good visibility | OH, VA, MN front windows |
| Very Light | 70% | 30% | Nearly clear, slight tint | CA, NY front side windows |
🚗 Understanding Window Tint
What is VLT?
VLT (Visible Light Transmission) measures the percentage of visible light that passes through your window and tint film combined. A 35% VLT means 35% of light passes through while 65% is blocked. Lower VLT percentages mean darker tint. When applying tint film to factory glass, you multiply their VLT values—so 35% film on 80% glass gives you 28% final VLT, not 35%.
Why States Regulate Tint
Window tint laws exist for safety reasons. Law enforcement needs to see inside vehicles during traffic stops, and drivers need adequate visibility, especially at night. Front window restrictions are typically strictest, while rear windows often have no limit. States also regulate reflectivity to prevent blinding other drivers. Medical exemptions may allow darker tint for conditions requiring UV protection.
Choosing the Right Tint
Consider your priorities: privacy, heat rejection, UV protection, or appearance. Ceramic film offers the best heat rejection without being excessively dark. For front windows, stay within legal limits—a quality 35% or 50% ceramic film can block significant heat while remaining legal. For rear windows, you can often go darker. Always get professional installation for best results and warranty coverage.
📐 Quick Calculations
50% on 80% glass: 40% VLT
35% on 80% glass: 28% VLT
20% on 80% glass: 16% VLT
5% on 80% glass: 4% VLT
*Actual results may vary slightly
⚠️ Important
- Laws change—verify current limits
- Factory tint counts toward total
- Tickets can be $50-$200+
- Medical exemptions available
- Keep documentation in car
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Frequently Asked Questions
When you apply 50% tint film over 20% existing tint (or privacy glass), the final VLT is: 50% × 20% = 10%. This means only 10% of visible light passes through. If you also have factory glass at 80%, the calculation is: 50% × 20% × 80% = 8% final VLT. This would be very dark and likely illegal on front windows in most states.
Applying 15% tint over 20% existing tint results in: 15% × 20% = 3% final VLT. With 80% factory glass: 15% × 20% × 80% = 2.4% VLT. This is extremely dark (nearly limo-black) and illegal on all windows except possibly rear windows in some states. It would significantly impair night driving visibility.
To calculate final tint percentage (VLT), multiply the film VLT by the glass VLT, then divide by 100. Formula: Final VLT = (Film VLT × Glass VLT) ÷ 100. For example, 35% tint on 80% factory glass: (35 × 80) ÷ 100 = 28% final VLT. For multiple layers, multiply all VLT values together as decimals, then multiply by 100.
The darkest legal tint varies by state and window position. For front side windows, limits range from 70% VLT (California, New York) to 20% VLT (New Mexico). Many states allow any darkness on rear windows. The darkest commonly legal front tint is around 20-25% in states like Texas (25%) and New Mexico (20%). Always check your specific state laws.
Car window tinting costs $150-$800+ depending on film type and vehicle size. Dyed film: $150-$300, Carbon film: $300-$500, Ceramic film: $400-$1,000+. SUVs and trucks cost more due to larger windows. Professional installation is recommended—DIY saves money but risks bubbles, peeling, and uneven application.
20% tint allows 20% of light through (blocks 80%), appearing quite dark with limited visibility from outside. 35% tint allows 35% light through (blocks 65%), appearing medium-dark with moderate visibility. 35% is legal in more states for front windows. 20% provides more privacy and heat rejection but may impair night driving and is often illegal on front windows.
🚗 Disclaimer: Window tint laws vary by state and change periodically. This calculator provides estimates based on general data. Always verify current laws with your state DMV or a professional tint installer. Cost estimates are approximate and vary by location.