TireSizesFinder

215/55R16 vs 265/40R17

265/40R17 is 0.04 in (0.9 mm) taller than 215/55R16, a +0.14% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 215/55R16, an indicated 60 mph is 60.1 mph on 265/40R17.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +0.14%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 265/40R17 is a near match for 215/55R16; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 215/55R16 (25.31 in) vs 265/40R17 (25.35 in)215/55R1625.31 in × 8.46 in265/40R1725.35 in × 10.43 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
215/55R16 vs 265/40R17 differences
Measurement215/55R16265/40R17Difference% diff
Overall diameter25.31 in (642.9 mm)25.35 in (643.8 mm)+0.04 in (+0.9 mm)+0.14%
Sidewall height4.66 in (118.3 mm)4.17 in (106.0 mm)−0.48 in (−12.2 mm)−10.36%
Section width8.46 in (215.0 mm)10.43 in (265.0 mm)+1.97 in (+50.0 mm)+23.26%
Circumference79.52 in (2,019.7 mm)79.63 in (2,022.6 mm)+0.11 in (+2.8 mm)+0.14%
Revolutions per mile797796−1−0.14%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 215/55R16
IndicatedActual on 215/55R16Actual on 265/40R17Difference
30 mph30.0 mph30.0 mph0.0 mph
60 mph60.0 mph60.1 mph+0.1 mph
75 mph75.0 mph75.1 mph+0.1 mph

Ride-height change: 265/40R17 raises the vehicle by 0.02 in (0.4 mm) at the axle (half the +0.9 mm diameter difference).

265/40R17 is 0.04 in taller than 215/55R16 and 50 mm wider, a 0.14% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 215/55R16, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.1 mph on 265/40R17, and revolutions per mile change from 797 to 796.

265/40R17 mounts on a 17-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 16-inch wheel of 215/55R16.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 215/55R16

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