255/75R17 vs 275/70R17

275/70R17 is 0.10 inches (0.3%) taller than 255/75R17 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
+0.10″
275/70R17 vs 255/75R17
255/75R17275/70R17Difference
Overall diameter32.1″ 814 mm32.2″ 817 mm+0.10″ (+0.3%)
Section width10.0″ 255 mm10.8″ 275 mm+0.79″
Sidewall height7.53″ 191 mm7.58″ 193 mm+0.05″
Wheel (rim) diameter17″17″same
Circumference100.7″ 2558 mm101.0″ 2566 mm+0.3″
Revolutions per mile629627−2
Ground clearance+0.05″
255/75R1732.1″ × 10.0″32.1″275/70R1732.2″ × 10.8″32.2″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

275/70R17 is 0.10″ taller (0.3%) and 0.79″ wider than 255/75R17. With a speedometer set up for 255/75R17, an indicated 60 mph is really 60.2 mph on 275/70R17, so the gauge reads 0.3% low.

A 0.3% diameter difference is small: most people treat these sizes as interchangeable.

Speedometer showsReal speed on 275/70R17
30 mph30.1 mph
45 mph45.1 mph
60 mph60.2 mph
70 mph70.2 mph
80 mph80.2 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 255/75R17?

275/70R17 is 0.10 inches (0.3%) taller and 0.79 inches wider: 32.2" × 10.8" versus 32.1" × 10.0".

Will 275/70R17 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 0.3%. Going from 255/75R17 to 275/70R17, an indicated 60 mph is about 60.2 mph.

Can I replace 255/75R17 with 275/70R17?

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 255/75R17 to 275/70R17?

Usually not for a 0.3% change. With 3.73 gears, the 275/70R17 acts like 3.72.

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