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255/70R17 vs 265/70R17

265/70R17 is 0.6″ taller than 255/70R17 on average, going by the heights their makers list (31.1″ vs 31.7″). On paper the gap is 0.55″.

255/70R17 and 265/70R17 drawn to the same scale: 31.1 and 31.7 inches tall on average as listed255/70R1731.1″265/70R1731.7″+0.6″
Drawn to the same scale, using the average height the makers list for each size.

What changes

Going from 255/70R17 to 265/70R17.

Lift+0.29″
Width+0.39″
Speedometer1.9% slow

Lift is half the height difference, since the axle sits at the middle of the tire. The speedometer figure assumes it was set for 255/70R17 and uses the revolutions per mile the makers publish: at an indicated 60 mph you'd be doing 61.2 mph.

Side by side

255/70R17265/70R17Difference
Listed height ″31.1031.60–32.05+0.59
Size code height ″31.0631.61+0.55
Height under load ″30.230.7+0.6
Width ″10.0410.43+0.39
Listed width ″10.210.4–10.8+0.5
Sidewall ″7.037.30+0.28
Wheel ″1717same
Weight lb31.7–50.435.3–59.0+6.9
Tread depth /32″11–1611–19+1.5
Tires listed1257

All 31-inch tire sizes · All 32-inch tire sizes

Tires sold in both sizes

The same model in each size, by the heights the maker lists. Averages where a model comes in several load ranges.

Tire255/70R17 ″265/70R17 ″Taller byHeavier by
BFGoodrich Advantage Control HT31.1031.65+0.55″+4.0 lb
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO331.1031.70+0.60″+0.9 lb
BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A31.1031.60+0.50″−2.3 lb
BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A+31.1031.60+0.50″+1.4 lb
General Grabber A/TX31.1031.60+0.50″+2.0 lb
General Grabber APT31.1031.60+0.50″+6.7 lb
Michelin Defender LTX M/S 231.1031.60+0.50″+8.7 lb
Toyo Open Country A/T III31.1031.65+0.55″+3.0 lb
Toyo Open Country H/T II31.1031.65+0.55″+8.7 lb

Questions about 255/70R17 vs 265/70R17

How much taller is 265/70R17 than 255/70R17?

0.59″ on average, going by the heights tire makers list: 255/70R17 tires are listed at 31.10″ and 265/70R17 at 31.60–32.05″. The size codes work out to 31.06″ and 31.61″, a 0.55″ difference.

How much lift does 265/70R17 give over 255/70R17?

The tire's radius grows by 0.29″, so the axle sits about 0.29″ higher, and the top of the tread comes 0.29″ closer to the fender. 265/70R17 is also 0.39″ wider on paper, 0.20″ per side on the same wheel. Whether it fits depends on your vehicle, lift and wheel offset.

Will my speedometer be off with 265/70R17 instead of 255/70R17?

Yes. If it's set for 255/70R17, it will read about 1.9% slow: at an indicated 60 mph you'll be doing 61.2 mph. Worked out from the revolutions per mile the makers publish.

Can 265/70R17 go on the same wheel as 255/70R17?

Both fit a 17-inch wheel. Wheel widths approved for both run from 7.0″ to 8.5″.