My Tire Guide

245/70R17 vs 265/70R17

265/70R17 is 1.10 inches taller than 245/70R17 and 20 mm (0.8 in) wider.

+3.6% height. Outside the usual 3% rule: the speedometer and ride height change noticeably.

245/70R17265/70R17
Measurement245/70R17265/70R17Difference
Overall height30.5 in31.6 in+1.10 in (+3.6%)
Section width9.6 in10.4 in+0.79 in (+20 mm)
Sidewall height6.8 in7.3 in+0.55 in
Circumference95.8 in99.3 in+3.5 in
Revolutions per mile661638−23
Ride height+0.55 in

Speedometer

With 265/70R17 fitted, a speedometer set up for 245/70R17 shows the first number when you are really doing the second.

The two sizes

245/70R17 is 30.5 inches tall with a 6.8-inch sidewall. 265/70R17 is 31.6 inches tall with a 7.3-inch sidewall. A taller sidewall rides softer and gives more ground clearance; a shorter one turns in more sharply. Try other pairs in the tire size calculator.

More comparisons

Questions

Which is bigger, 245/70R17 or 265/70R17?

265/70R17 is taller: 31.6 inches against 30.5. 265/70R17 is wider, at 265 mm.

Can I replace 245/70R17 with 265/70R17?

It is 3.6% taller, outside the usual 3% rule, so expect a noticeable speedometer change and check for rubbing at full lock and full suspension travel.

How much does the speedometer change?

With 265/70R17 on a vehicle set up for 245/70R17, the speedometer shows 60 mph at a true 62.2 mph, and 70 at 72.5.