255/65R17 vs 265/70R17

265/70R17 is 1.6" taller than 255/65R17 (5.2%)

Diameter difference+5.17%diameter 30.05" → 31.61"
255/65R17265/70R17
255/65R17265/70R17Difference
Overall diameter30.05"31.61"+1.56"
Section width10.04"10.43"+0.39"
Sidewall height6.53"7.30"+0.78"
Circumference94.4"99.3"+4.9"
Revolutions per mile671638−33
Wheel diameter17"17"±0"

Speedometer

ShowsActualDiff
30 mph31.6 mph+1.6
45 mph47.3 mph+2.3
60 mph63.1 mph+3.1
70 mph73.6 mph+3.6
80 mph84.1 mph+4.1

Gear ratio to match

CurrentEquivalent
3.423.60
3.553.73
3.733.92
4.104.31

265/70R17 is 1.56" taller than 255/65R17, a +5.17% change in diameter. That is more than the 3% many tire shops use as a limit, so plan on recalibrating the speedometer and checking ABS and stability control.

Ground clearance changes by 0.78" (half the diameter change), and the tire needs 0.78" more room above it.

265/70R17 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 0.78" taller on 265/70R17.

Details: 255/65R17 in inches · 265/70R17 in inches · change sizes in the calculator

FAQ

What is the difference between 255/65R17 and 265/70R17?

265/70R17 is 1.56" taller (+5.17%) and 0.39" wider than 255/65R17.

Will 265/70R17 change my speedometer?

Yes, by +5.17%. When the speedometer shows 60 mph you would be going 63.1 mph.

Can I replace 255/65R17 with 265/70R17?

It is a +5.2% diameter change, larger than the common 3% guideline, so check clearance and plan to recalibrate.