245/75R17 vs 255/75R17

255/75R17 is 0.59 inches (1.9%) taller than 245/75R17 and 0.39 inches wider. Here are both sizes side by side, drawn to scale.

Last updated · Calculated from the sidewall code · Sources

Tire sizes

Type it as it appears on the sidewall: 275/60R20, LT265/70R17 or 33x12.50R20.

Difference in height
+0.59″
255/75R17 vs 245/75R17
245/75R17255/75R17Difference
Overall diameter31.5″ 799 mm32.1″ 814 mm+0.59″ (+1.9%)
Section width9.6″ 245 mm10.0″ 255 mm+0.39″
Sidewall height7.23″ 184 mm7.53″ 191 mm+0.30″
Wheel (rim) diameter17″17″same
Circumference98.9″ 2511 mm100.7″ 2558 mm+1.9″
Revolutions per mile641629−12
Ground clearance+0.30″
245/75R1731.5″ × 9.6″31.5″255/75R1732.1″ × 10.0″32.1″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

255/75R17 is 0.59″ taller (1.9%) and 0.39″ wider than 245/75R17. With a speedometer set up for 245/75R17, an indicated 60 mph is really 61.1 mph on 255/75R17, so the gauge reads 1.9% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.30″.

A 1.9% difference is within the ±3% that tire shops commonly accept without recalibrating the speedometer. Check clearance if the new tire is wider or taller.

Speedometer showsReal speed on 255/75R17
30 mph30.6 mph
45 mph45.8 mph
60 mph61.1 mph
70 mph71.3 mph
80 mph81.5 mph

What changes when you switch to 255/75R17

Sizes are theoretical, from the sidewall code. The same size can differ by a few tenths of an inch between brands and tread patterns; check the maker’s spec sheet for the exact model.

Other comparisons

Frequently asked questions

How much bigger is 255/75R17 than 245/75R17?

255/75R17 is 0.59 inches (1.9%) taller and 0.39 inches wider: 32.1" × 10.0" versus 31.5" × 9.6".

Will 255/75R17 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 1.9%. Going from 245/75R17 to 255/75R17, an indicated 60 mph is about 61.1 mph.

Can I replace 245/75R17 with 255/75R17?

Often, yes: the height difference is within the ±3% most tire shops accept. Both fit a 17" wheel; confirm the rim width, load index and clearance for your vehicle.

Do I need to regear going from 245/75R17 to 255/75R17?

Usually not for a 1.9% change. With 3.73 gears, the 255/75R17 acts like 3.66.

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