265/70R17 vs 285/70R17: Tire Size Comparison
285/70R17 is 1.1 inches taller than 265/70R17 (32.71″ vs 31.61″, +3.49%) and 0.79 inches wider. The difference is outside the common ±3% guideline. At an indicated 60 mph you would be doing 62.1 mph.
| 265/70R17 | 285/70R17 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 31.61 in | 32.71 in | +1.1 |
| Section width | 10.43 in | 11.22 in | +0.79 |
| Sidewall height | 7.3 in | 7.85 in | +0.55 |
| Circumference | 99.3 in | 102.8 in | +3.46 |
| Revolutions per mile | 638 | 617 | −22 |
265/70R17 vs 285/70R17 dimensions
| 265/70R17 | 285/70R17 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 31.61 in (803 mm) | 32.71 in (831 mm) | +1.1 in (+3.49%) |
| Section width | 10.43 in | 11.22 in | +0.79 in |
| Sidewall height | 7.3 in | 7.85 in | +0.55 in |
| Wheel diameter | 17 in | 17 in | same wheel |
| Circumference | 99.3 in | 102.8 in | +3.46 in |
| Revolutions per mile | 638 | 617 | -22 |
Nominal dimensions calculated from the size code. Real tires vary slightly by brand, tread depth and inflation.
Speedometer difference with 285/70R17
| Speedometer shows | Actual speed on 285/70R17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 30 mph | 31 mph | +1 mph |
| 45 mph | 46.6 mph | +1.6 mph |
| 60 mph | 62.1 mph | +2.1 mph |
| 70 mph | 72.4 mph | +2.4 mph |
| 80 mph | 82.8 mph | +2.8 mph |
Assumes your speedometer is accurate on 265/70R17. Because 285/70R17 is taller, you travel slightly faster than indicated and the odometer under-counts: 10,000 miles on the odometer is about 10,349 real miles.
What changes if you switch
- Ride height: up about 0.55 in (half the diameter change).
- Wheels: both fit a 17-inch wheel; check the tire's approved rim width range.
- Sidewall: a taller sidewall usually rides softer and resists pothole damage, with a little less steering sharpness.
- Effective gearing: slightly taller, so marginally lower engine rpm at speed and slightly slower acceleration.
- Match the original load index and speed rating or higher, and check for rubbing at full steering lock and full suspension compression.
Related tire size comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Can I use 285/70R17 instead of 265/70R17?
285/70R17 is +3.49% in overall diameter compared with 265/70R17 (32.71″ vs 31.61″). That is outside the common ±3% guideline, so it is a bigger change that may affect the speedometer, ABS and clearance. Check your vehicle placard, load index, speed rating and clearance before switching.
How much taller is 285/70R17 than 265/70R17?
285/70R17 is 1.1 inches taller overall, which raises ride height by about 0.55 inches. Sidewall height changes from 7.3″ to 7.85″.
How much wider is 285/70R17 than 265/70R17?
Section width goes from 10.43″ (265 mm) to 11.22″ (285 mm), a difference of +0.79 in. Actual width also depends on the rim width it is mounted on.
How does 285/70R17 affect my speedometer?
With 285/70R17 fitted in place of 265/70R17, when the speedometer shows 60 mph you are actually going about 62.1 mph. The odometer will record 10,000 miles when you have driven about 10,349.