TireSizesFinder

265/75R16 vs 255/70R17

255/70R17 is 0.59 in (15.1 mm) shorter than 265/75R16, a −1.88% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 265/75R16, an indicated 60 mph is 58.9 mph on 255/70R17.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −1.88%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 255/70R17 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 265/75R16. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 265/75R16 (31.65 in) vs 255/70R17 (31.06 in)265/75R1631.65 in × 10.43 in255/70R1731.06 in × 10.04 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
265/75R16 vs 255/70R17 differences
Measurement265/75R16255/70R17Difference% diff
Overall diameter31.65 in (803.9 mm)31.06 in (788.8 mm)−0.59 in (−15.1 mm)−1.88%
Sidewall height7.82 in (198.8 mm)7.03 in (178.5 mm)−0.80 in (−20.2 mm)−10.19%
Section width10.43 in (265.0 mm)10.04 in (255.0 mm)−0.39 in (−10.0 mm)−3.77%
Circumference99.43 in (2,525.5 mm)97.56 in (2,478.1 mm)−1.87 in (−47.4 mm)−1.88%
Revolutions per mile637649+12+1.91%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 265/75R16
IndicatedActual on 265/75R16Actual on 255/70R17Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.4 mph−0.6 mph
60 mph60.0 mph58.9 mph−1.1 mph
75 mph75.0 mph73.6 mph−1.4 mph

Ride-height change: 255/70R17 lowers the vehicle by 0.30 in (7.6 mm) at the axle (half the −15.1 mm diameter difference).

255/70R17 is 0.59 in shorter than 265/75R16 and 10 mm narrower, a 1.88% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 265/75R16, an indicated 60 mph is actually 58.9 mph on 255/70R17, and revolutions per mile change from 637 to 649.

255/70R17 mounts on a 17-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 16-inch wheel of 265/75R16.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 265/75R16

Other comparisons with 255/70R17

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