The pavement classification number (from English: Pavement Classification Number, PCN) is a standard of the International Civil Aviation Organization.[1]​[2]​ that is used together with the aircraft classification number (ACN) to indicate the resistance of a runway, taxiway or ramp "Apron (aviation)") of an airport. This helps ensure that the airport ramp does not suffer excessive wear, thus prolonging its useful life and serves to establish the necessary restrictions depending on the type of runway.

While this number is important for the landing strip, it is mainly important for the headlands. During landing the plane is light on fuel. It normally weighs 5% less than during takeoff. At takeoff the plane is very heavy, but this weight gradually shifts from the landing gear to the wings during the maneuver. During the aircraft loading maneuvers and movements before departure is when the pavement experiences significant stresses caused by the weight of the aircraft.

It is normally used on asphalt or concrete tracks and is not common on grass or gravel tracks.

The PCN is expressed as a five-part code, separated by bars, that describes the type of pavement, such as 80/R/B/W/T (see tables):

For a track with PCN 40/F/A/X/T, the characteristics would be:.