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Tire size comparisons · Updated

245/70R17 vs 265/70R17

Check clearance and speedometer: the 265/70R17 is 3.6% taller than the 245/70R17.

Check clearance and speedometer. 265/70R17 is 3.6% taller than 245/70R17 (+1.10 in, 30.5 to 31.6 in). 60 mph on the speedometer is really 62.2 mph and the ride height changes by about +0.55 in.

245/70R17 vs 265/70R17 at a glance

245/70R17 and 265/70R17 compared
Measure245/70R17 (current)265/70R17 (new)Difference
Overall height30.50 in31.61 in+1.10 in (+3.61%)
Width9.65 in (245 mm)10.43 in (265 mm)+20 mm
Sidewall6.75 in7.30 in+0.55 in
Wheel17 in17 in+0 in
Circumference95.8 in99.3 in+3.5 in
Revs per mile661.2638.1−23.1

Verdict: check clearance and speedometer

Over 3% and up to 5%: worth checking clearance, the speedometer and gearing before you buy. Going from 245/70R17 to 265/70R17 is a 3.6% increase in overall height (+1.10 in), and the vehicle sits about 0.55 in higher. The tire is 20 mm wider. The 3% rule of thumb comes from Discount Tire and 1010tires; it is not a guarantee of fit.

True speed and odometer

Speedometer after swapping 245/70R17 for 265/70R17
Speedometer showsYou are really doingDifference
35 mph36.3 mph+1.3 mph
45 mph46.6 mph+1.6 mph
55 mph57.0 mph+2.0 mph
60 mph62.2 mph+2.2 mph
65 mph67.3 mph+2.3 mph
70 mph72.5 mph+2.5 mph
75 mph77.7 mph+2.7 mph

Odometer: 1,000 indicated miles is 1,036 real miles, and 10,000 is 10,361.

The math

245/70R17: 17 + 2 × (245 × 70% ÷ 25.4) = 30.50 in. 265/70R17: 17 + 2 × (265 × 70% ÷ 25.4) = 31.61 in. Change = 31.61 ÷ 30.50 − 1 = +3.61%. True speed at 60 = 60 × 31.61 ÷ 30.50 = 62.17 mph.

Check next

Calculated from the size alone. Real tires vary a little by brand and model, and the loaded radius is a bit smaller. Confirm the wheel width range, clearance, load index and speed rating for your vehicle. See how to read a tire size, the load index chart and the speed rating chart.

Size pages: 245/70R17 · 265/70R17. More swaps: all tire size comparisons.

FAQ

Is 265/70R17 bigger than 245/70R17?

265/70R17 is 31.61 in tall against 30.50 in, so it is 3.6% taller and 20 mm wider.

What is my real speed with 265/70R17 instead of 245/70R17?

60 mph on the speedometer is really 62.2 mph and 70 is 72.5 mph.

Will 265/70R17 fit where 245/70R17 fits?

It is a check clearance and speedometer on height (+3.6%). Fit also depends on wheel width, offset, clearance, load index and speed rating: this cannot tell you.

How much will the ride height change from 245/70R17 to 265/70R17?

About 0.55 in higher, half of the 1.10 in change in tire height.

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