265/65R17 vs 265/70R17

265/70R17 is 1.04 inches (3.4%) taller than 265/65R17 and 0.00 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
+1.04″
265/70R17 vs 265/65R17
265/65R17265/70R17Difference
Overall diameter30.6″ 776 mm31.6″ 803 mm+1.04″ (+3.4%)
Section width10.4″ 265 mm10.4″ 265 mm±0.00″
Sidewall height6.78″ 172 mm7.30″ 186 mm+0.52″
Wheel (rim) diameter17″17″same
Circumference96.0″ 2439 mm99.3″ 2522 mm+3.3″
Revolutions per mile660638−22
Ground clearance+0.52″
265/65R1730.6″ × 10.4″30.6″265/70R1731.6″ × 10.4″31.6″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

265/70R17 is 1.04″ taller (3.4%) and 0.00″ wider than 265/65R17. With a speedometer set up for 265/65R17, an indicated 60 mph is really 62.0 mph on 265/70R17, so the gauge reads 3.4% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.52″.

A 3.4% 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 265/70R17
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.5 mph
60 mph62.0 mph
70 mph72.4 mph
80 mph82.7 mph

What changes when you switch to 265/70R17

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 265/70R17 than 265/65R17?

265/70R17 is 1.04 inches (3.4%) taller and 0.00 inches wider: 31.6" × 10.4" versus 30.6" × 10.4".

Will 265/70R17 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 3.4%. Going from 265/65R17 to 265/70R17, an indicated 60 mph is about 62.0 mph.

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

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 265/65R17 to 265/70R17?

Usually not for a 3.4% change. With 3.73 gears, the 265/70R17 acts like 3.61.

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