255/65R17 vs 265/65R17

265/65R17 is 0.5" taller than 255/65R17 (1.7%)

Diameter difference+1.70%diameter 30.05" → 30.56"
255/65R17265/65R17
255/65R17265/65R17Difference
Overall diameter30.05"30.56"+0.51"
Section width10.04"10.43"+0.39"
Sidewall height6.53"6.78"+0.26"
Circumference94.4"96.0"+1.6"
Revolutions per mile671660−11
Wheel diameter17"17"±0"

Speedometer

ShowsActualDiff
30 mph30.5 mph+0.5
45 mph45.8 mph+0.8
60 mph61.0 mph+1.0
70 mph71.2 mph+1.2
80 mph81.4 mph+1.4

Gear ratio to match

CurrentEquivalent
3.423.48
3.553.61
3.733.79
4.104.17

265/65R17 is 0.51" taller than 255/65R17, a +1.70% change in diameter, inside the 3% range most shops treat as a safe swap.

Ground clearance changes by 0.26" (half the diameter change), and the tire needs 0.26" more room above it.

265/65R17 is 0.39" wider. On the same wheel offset about half of that, 0.20", moves toward the suspension and half toward the fender.

Both fit a 17" wheel; the sidewall is 0.26" taller on 265/65R17.

Details: 255/65R17 in inches · 265/65R17 in inches · change sizes in the calculator

FAQ

What is the difference between 255/65R17 and 265/65R17?

265/65R17 is 0.51" taller (+1.70%) and 0.39" wider than 255/65R17.

Will 265/65R17 change my speedometer?

Yes, by +1.70%. When the speedometer shows 60 mph you would be going 61.0 mph.

Can I replace 255/65R17 with 265/65R17?

Often yes: the diameter change of +1.7% is within the common 3% guideline. Check the load index, speed rating and clearance.