265/70R17 vs 255/75R17

255/75R17 is 0.45 inches (1.4%) taller than 265/70R17 and 0.39 inches narrower. 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
+0.45″
255/75R17 vs 265/70R17
265/70R17255/75R17Difference
Overall diameter31.6″ 803 mm32.1″ 814 mm+0.45″ (+1.4%)
Section width10.4″ 265 mm10.0″ 255 mm−0.39″
Sidewall height7.30″ 186 mm7.53″ 191 mm+0.23″
Wheel (rim) diameter17″17″same
Circumference99.3″ 2522 mm100.7″ 2558 mm+1.4″
Revolutions per mile638629−9
Ground clearance+0.23″
265/70R1731.6″ × 10.4″31.6″255/75R1732.1″ × 10.0″32.1″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

255/75R17 is 0.45″ taller (1.4%) and 0.39″ narrower than 265/70R17. With a speedometer set up for 265/70R17, an indicated 60 mph is really 60.9 mph on 255/75R17, so the gauge reads 1.4% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.23″.

A 1.4% 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 mph30.4 mph
45 mph45.6 mph
60 mph60.9 mph
70 mph71.0 mph
80 mph81.1 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 265/70R17?

255/75R17 is 0.45 inches (1.4%) taller and 0.39 inches narrower: 32.1" × 10.0" versus 31.6" × 10.4".

Will 255/75R17 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 1.4%. Going from 265/70R17 to 255/75R17, an indicated 60 mph is about 60.9 mph.

Can I replace 265/70R17 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 265/70R17 to 255/75R17?

Usually not for a 1.4% change. With 3.73 gears, the 255/75R17 acts like 3.68.

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