255/70R17 vs 275/70R17

275/70R17 is 1.10 inches (3.5%) taller than 255/70R17 and 0.79 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
+1.10″
275/70R17 vs 255/70R17
255/70R17275/70R17Difference
Overall diameter31.1″ 789 mm32.2″ 817 mm+1.10″ (+3.5%)
Section width10.0″ 255 mm10.8″ 275 mm+0.79″
Sidewall height7.03″ 179 mm7.58″ 193 mm+0.55″
Wheel (rim) diameter17″17″same
Circumference97.6″ 2478 mm101.0″ 2566 mm+3.5″
Revolutions per mile649627−22
Ground clearance+0.55″
255/70R1731.1″ × 10.0″31.1″275/70R1732.2″ × 10.8″32.2″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

275/70R17 is 1.10″ taller (3.5%) and 0.79″ wider than 255/70R17. With a speedometer set up for 255/70R17, an indicated 60 mph is really 62.1 mph on 275/70R17, so the gauge reads 3.5% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.55″.

A 3.5% difference is more than the ±3% shops commonly use as a limit: plan to recalibrate the speedometer, check clearance (and lift or leveling needs), and consider regearing if it's a big jump.

Speedometer showsReal speed on 275/70R17
30 mph31.1 mph
45 mph46.6 mph
60 mph62.1 mph
70 mph72.5 mph
80 mph82.8 mph

What changes when you switch to 275/70R17

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 275/70R17 than 255/70R17?

275/70R17 is 1.10 inches (3.5%) taller and 0.79 inches wider: 32.2" × 10.8" versus 31.1" × 10.0".

Will 275/70R17 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 3.5%. Going from 255/70R17 to 275/70R17, an indicated 60 mph is about 62.1 mph.

Can I replace 255/70R17 with 275/70R17?

Possibly, but the height difference is over 3%, so check clearance and plan to recalibrate the speedometer. Both fit a 17" wheel; confirm the rim width, load index and clearance for your vehicle.

Do I need to regear going from 255/70R17 to 275/70R17?

Usually not for a 3.5% change. With 3.73 gears, the 275/70R17 acts like 3.60.

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