265/70R16 vs 245/70R17

245/70R17 is 0.10 in (2.6 mm) shorter than 265/70R16, a −0.33% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 265/70R16, an indicated 60 mph is 59.8 mph on 245/70R17.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.33%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 245/70R17 is a near match for 265/70R16; 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: 265/70R16 (30.61 in) vs 245/70R17 (30.50 in)265/70R1630.61 in × 10.43 in245/70R1730.50 in × 9.65 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
265/70R16 vs 245/70R17 differences
Measurement265/70R16245/70R17Difference% diff
Overall diameter30.61 in (777.4 mm)30.50 in (774.8 mm)−0.10 in (−2.6 mm)−0.33%
Sidewall height7.30 in (185.5 mm)6.75 in (171.5 mm)−0.55 in (−14.0 mm)−7.55%
Section width10.43 in (265.0 mm)9.65 in (245.0 mm)−0.79 in (−20.0 mm)−7.55%
Circumference96.15 in (2,442.3 mm)95.83 in (2,434.1 mm)−0.32 in (−8.2 mm)−0.33%
Revolutions per mile659661+2+0.34%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 265/70R16
IndicatedActual on 265/70R16Actual on 245/70R17Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.9 mph−0.1 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.8 mph−0.2 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.7 mph−0.3 mph

Ride-height change: 245/70R17 lowers the vehicle by 0.05 in (1.3 mm) at the axle (half the −2.6 mm diameter difference).

245/70R17 is 0.10 in shorter than 265/70R16 and 20 mm narrower, a 0.33% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 265/70R16, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.8 mph on 245/70R17, and revolutions per mile change from 659 to 661.

245/70R17 mounts on a 17-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 16-inch wheel of 265/70R16.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 265/70R16

Other comparisons with 245/70R17

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