TireSizesFinder

255/65R17 vs 265/65R17

265/65R17 is 0.51 in (13.0 mm) taller than 255/65R17, a +1.70% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 255/65R17, an indicated 60 mph is 61.0 mph on 265/65R17.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +1.70%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 265/65R17 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 255/65R17. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 255/65R17 (30.05 in) vs 265/65R17 (30.56 in)255/65R1730.05 in × 10.04 in265/65R1730.56 in × 10.43 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
255/65R17 vs 265/65R17 differences
Measurement255/65R17265/65R17Difference% diff
Overall diameter30.05 in (763.3 mm)30.56 in (776.3 mm)+0.51 in (+13.0 mm)+1.70%
Sidewall height6.53 in (165.8 mm)6.78 in (172.3 mm)+0.26 in (+6.5 mm)+3.92%
Section width10.04 in (255.0 mm)10.43 in (265.0 mm)+0.39 in (+10.0 mm)+3.92%
Circumference94.41 in (2,398.0 mm)96.02 in (2,438.8 mm)+1.61 in (+40.8 mm)+1.70%
Revolutions per mile671660−11−1.67%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 255/65R17
IndicatedActual on 255/65R17Actual on 265/65R17Difference
30 mph30.0 mph30.5 mph+0.5 mph
60 mph60.0 mph61.0 mph+1.0 mph
75 mph75.0 mph76.3 mph+1.3 mph

Ride-height change: 265/65R17 raises the vehicle by 0.26 in (6.5 mm) at the axle (half the +13.0 mm diameter difference).

265/65R17 is 0.51 in taller than 255/65R17 and 10 mm wider, a 1.70% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 255/65R17, an indicated 60 mph is actually 61.0 mph on 265/65R17, and revolutions per mile change from 671 to 660.

Both sizes mount on 17-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 255/65R17

Other comparisons with 265/65R17

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified . How these numbers are calculated.