265/70R17 vs 285/70R17 — Tire Size Comparison
A 285/70R17 is 32.71" tall and 11.22" wide. A 265/70R17 is 31.61" tall and 10.43" wide. The 285/70R17 is +1.1" (+3.49%) in diameter, adds about 0.55" of ride height, and at an indicated 60 mph your actual speed becomes about 62.1 mph.
Current tire on your vehicle now
New tire you are considering
Full comparison
| Measurement | 265/70R17 | 285/70R17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 31.61" | 32.71" | +1.1" (+3.49%) |
| Width | 10.43" | 11.22" | +0.79" |
| Sidewall height | 7.3" | 7.85" | +0.55" |
| Circumference | 99.3" | 102.8" | +3.5" |
| Revolutions / mile | 638 | 617 | -21 |
| Ride height change | — | — | +0.55" |
Speedometer effect
Assuming your speedometer was accurate on the current tire, here is what changes. Bigger tires make the speedometer read low — you travel faster than it shows.
| Speedometer shows | 20 mph | 30 mph | 40 mph | 50 mph | 60 mph | 70 mph | 80 mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual speed | 20.7 | 31 | 41.4 | 51.7 | 62.1 | 72.4 | 82.8 |
Before you buy: fitment checklist
- Wheel diameter: SAME RIM Both sizes fit a 17" wheel — no new wheels needed for diameter.
- Diameter change: DIAMETER Diameter changes 3.49% — beyond the ±3% rule of thumb installers commonly cite. Expect speedometer, gearing and clearance effects to matter. The ±3% figure is a guideline, not a safety standard.
- Clearance: WIDTH The new tire is 20 mm wider — check inner clearance at full steering lock and full suspension travel.
- Rim width: CHECK Confirm the new size's approved rim-width range (from the tire maker) includes your wheel's width.
- Load & speed: CHECK The new tire's load index and speed rating must meet or exceed your vehicle's placard (driver's door jamb).
This is a size comparison, not a fitment guarantee. Clearance depends on your vehicle's suspension, wheel offset and alignment — the checklist above covers what to verify.
More comparisons with these sizes
How much bigger is a 285/70R17 than a 265/70R17?
Taller by 1.1" in diameter (3.49%), 0.79" wider, with a 0.55" taller sidewall. Revolutions per mile go from 638 to 617.
Can I switch from 265/70R17 to 285/70R17 on the same wheels?
Both sizes mount on a 17" wheel, so the wheel diameter matches. You still need your wheel's width inside the 285/70R17's approved rim-width range, a load index and speed rating at least equal to your door-jamb placard, and clearance at full lock — see the checklist above.
Will the speedometer be off?
Yes, by about 3.49%. At an indicated 60 mph you are actually doing about 62.1 mph on the 285/70R17.
Nominal geometry — method. Last verified November 12, 2026.