255/70R17 vs 265/70R17: full comparison
| Measurement | 255/70R17 | 265/70R17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 31.06 in | 31.61 in | +0.55 in+1.8% |
| Section width | 10.04 in | 10.43 in | +0.39 in+3.9% |
| Sidewall height | 7.03 in | 7.30 in | +0.28 in+3.9% |
| Circumference | 97.56 in | 99.29 in | +1.73 in+1.8% |
| Revs per mile | 649 | 638 | −11−1.7% |
Speedometer: indicated vs actual speed
With 265/70R17 fitted where 255/70R17 was the stock/calibrated size:
| Speedometer shows | Actual speed | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 20 mph | 20.4 mph | +0.4 mph |
| 30 mph | 30.5 mph | +0.5 mph |
| 40 mph | 40.7 mph | +0.7 mph |
| 50 mph | 50.9 mph | +0.9 mph |
| 55 mph | 56.0 mph | +1.0 mph |
| 60 mph | 61.1 mph | +1.1 mph |
| 65 mph | 66.2 mph | +1.2 mph |
| 70 mph | 71.2 mph | +1.2 mph |
| 75 mph | 76.3 mph | +1.3 mph |
| 80 mph | 81.4 mph | +1.4 mph |
Recalculate for a gear ratio change too →
Will 265/70R17 fit where 255/70R17 was?
At +1.8%, 265/70R17 is within the ±3% most tire shops and manufacturers accept without recalibrating the speedometer or expecting rubbing -- it should generally bolt on, though wheel width, offset, and suspension travel still matter.
Related tire size comparisons
- 265/70R17 vs 285/70R17
- 245/75R17 vs 265/70R17
- 265/65R17 vs 265/70R17
- 245/70R17 vs 265/70R17
- 255/75R17 vs 265/70R17
More tire tools
- Tire size comparison tool: compare any two sizes yourself, including flotation sizes.
- Tire size calculator: full dimensions of one size, plus every equivalent size within 3%.
- Speedometer calculator: true speed after a tire or gear ratio change.
Frequently asked questions
How much bigger is 265/70R17 than 255/70R17?
265/70R17 is 0.55 in taller in overall diameter (+1.8%) and 0.39 in wider in section width (+3.9%) than 255/70R17.
Will 265/70R17 fit in place of 255/70R17?
At +1.8%, 265/70R17 is within the ±3% most tire shops and manufacturers accept without recalibrating the speedometer or expecting rubbing -- it should generally bolt on, though wheel width, offset, and suspension travel still matter.
Does swapping to 265/70R17 affect my speedometer?
With 265/70R17 fitted where 255/70R17 was calibrated, an indicated 60 mph is really about 61.1 mph. That small a difference is within the ±3% most shops treat as close enough not to recalibrate.
Does 265/70R17 change the ride height?
Yes -- half the diameter difference shows up at the axle, so 265/70R17 changes ride height by about 0.28 in higher compared with 255/70R17.
Do 255/70R17 and 265/70R17 use the same wheel (rim) diameter?
Yes -- both fit a 17 inch wheel, so only the tire itself changes, not the wheel.