My Tire Guide

265/65R17 vs 265/70R17

265/70R17 is 1.04 inches taller than 265/65R17 and the same width.

+3.4% height. Outside the usual 3% rule: the speedometer and ride height change noticeably.

265/65R17265/70R17
Measurement265/65R17265/70R17Difference
Overall height30.6 in31.6 in+1.04 in (+3.4%)
Section width10.4 in10.4 in±0.00 in (±0 mm)
Sidewall height6.8 in7.3 in+0.52 in
Circumference96.0 in99.3 in+3.3 in
Revolutions per mile660638−22
Ride height+0.52 in

Speedometer

With 265/70R17 fitted, a speedometer set up for 265/65R17 shows the first number when you are really doing the second.

The two sizes

265/65R17 is 30.6 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, 265/65R17 or 265/70R17?

265/70R17 is taller: 31.6 inches against 30.6. They are the same width.

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

It is 3.4% 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 265/65R17, the speedometer shows 60 mph at a true 62.0 mph, and 70 at 72.4.