TireSizesFinder

265/75R15 vs 255/65R17

255/65R17 is 0.60 in (15.2 mm) shorter than 265/75R15, a −1.95% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 265/75R15, an indicated 60 mph is 58.8 mph on 255/65R17.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −1.95%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 255/65R17 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 265/75R15. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 265/75R15 (30.65 in) vs 255/65R17 (30.05 in)265/75R1530.65 in × 10.43 in255/65R1730.05 in × 10.04 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
265/75R15 vs 255/65R17 differences
Measurement265/75R15255/65R17Difference% diff
Overall diameter30.65 in (778.5 mm)30.05 in (763.3 mm)−0.60 in (−15.2 mm)−1.95%
Sidewall height7.82 in (198.8 mm)6.53 in (165.8 mm)−1.30 in (−33.0 mm)−16.60%
Section width10.43 in (265.0 mm)10.04 in (255.0 mm)−0.39 in (−10.0 mm)−3.77%
Circumference96.29 in (2,445.7 mm)94.41 in (2,398.0 mm)−1.88 in (−47.8 mm)−1.95%
Revolutions per mile658671+13+1.99%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 265/75R15
IndicatedActual on 265/75R15Actual on 255/65R17Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.4 mph−0.6 mph
60 mph60.0 mph58.8 mph−1.2 mph
75 mph75.0 mph73.5 mph−1.5 mph

Ride-height change: 255/65R17 lowers the vehicle by 0.30 in (7.6 mm) at the axle (half the −15.2 mm diameter difference).

255/65R17 is 0.60 in shorter than 265/75R15 and 10 mm narrower, a 1.95% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 265/75R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 58.8 mph on 255/65R17, and revolutions per mile change from 658 to 671.

255/65R17 mounts on a 17-inch wheel, a plus-2 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 265/75R15.

Size pages

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