225/60R15 vs 265/40R17

265/40R17 is 0.28 in (7.2 mm) shorter than 225/60R15, a −1.11% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 225/60R15, an indicated 60 mph is 59.3 mph on 265/40R17.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −1.11%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 265/40R17 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 225/60R15. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 225/60R15 (25.63 in) vs 265/40R17 (25.35 in)225/60R1525.63 in × 8.86 in265/40R1725.35 in × 10.43 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
225/60R15 vs 265/40R17 differences
Measurement225/60R15265/40R17Difference% diff
Overall diameter25.63 in (651.0 mm)25.35 in (643.8 mm)−0.28 in (−7.2 mm)−1.11%
Sidewall height5.31 in (135.0 mm)4.17 in (106.0 mm)−1.14 in (−29.0 mm)−21.48%
Section width8.86 in (225.0 mm)10.43 in (265.0 mm)+1.57 in (+40.0 mm)+17.78%
Circumference80.52 in (2,045.2 mm)79.63 in (2,022.6 mm)−0.89 in (−22.6 mm)−1.11%
Revolutions per mile787796+9+1.12%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 225/60R15
IndicatedActual on 225/60R15Actual on 265/40R17Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.7 mph−0.3 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.3 mph−0.7 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.2 mph−0.8 mph

Ride-height change: 265/40R17 lowers the vehicle by 0.14 in (3.6 mm) at the axle (half the −7.2 mm diameter difference).

265/40R17 is 0.28 in shorter than 225/60R15 and 40 mm wider, a 1.11% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 225/60R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.3 mph on 265/40R17, and revolutions per mile change from 787 to 796.

265/40R17 mounts on a 17-inch wheel, a plus-2 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 225/60R15.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 225/60R15

Other comparisons with 265/40R17

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