245/70R17 vs 265/65R17

265/65R17 is 0.06 in (1.5 mm) taller than 245/70R17, a +0.19% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 245/70R17, an indicated 60 mph is 60.1 mph on 265/65R17.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +0.19%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 265/65R17 is a near match for 245/70R17; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.

245/70R17 vs 265/65R17 differences
Measurement	245/70R17	265/65R17	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	30.50 in (774.8 mm)	30.56 in (776.3 mm)	+0.06 in (+1.5 mm)	+0.19%
Sidewall height	6.75 in (171.5 mm)	6.78 in (172.3 mm)	+0.03 in (+0.8 mm)	+0.44%
Section width	9.65 in (245.0 mm)	10.43 in (265.0 mm)	+0.79 in (+20.0 mm)	+8.16%
Circumference	95.83 in (2,434.1 mm)	96.02 in (2,438.8 mm)	+0.19 in (+4.7 mm)	+0.19%
Revolutions per mile	661	660	−1	−0.19%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 245/70R17
Indicated	Actual on 245/70R17	Actual on 265/65R17	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.1 mph	+0.1 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	60.1 mph	+0.1 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	75.1 mph	+0.1 mph

Ride-height change: 265/65R17 raises the vehicle by 0.03 in (0.8 mm) at the axle (half the +1.5 mm diameter difference).

265/65R17 is 0.06 in taller than 245/70R17 and 20 mm wider, a 0.19% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 245/70R17, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.1 mph on 265/65R17, and revolutions per mile change from 661 to 660.

Both sizes mount on 17-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 245/70R17

Other comparisons with 265/65R17

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified 2026-09-27. How these numbers are calculated.