Tire Size Box

215/35R17 vs 215/45R17

215/45R17 compared with 215/35R17

+7.4% diameter, 0.0" width

215/45R17 is 24.62" tall vs 22.93". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

22.9"17" rim3.0"8.5" wide
215/35R17 (solid) compared with 215/45R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/45R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.4 mph

215/45R17 is +1.69 inches (+7.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/35R17215/45R17Difference%
Overall diameter22.93"24.62"+1.69"+7.4%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height2.96"3.81"+0.85"+28.6%
Circumference72.02"77.34"+5.32"+7.4%
Revolutions per mile879.7819.2−60.5−6.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/35R17 and you fit 215/45R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.5 mph+1.5 mph
30 mph32.2 mph+2.2 mph
40 mph43.0 mph+3.0 mph
50 mph53.7 mph+3.7 mph
60 mph64.4 mph+4.4 mph
65 mph69.8 mph+4.8 mph
70 mph75.2 mph+5.2 mph
75 mph80.5 mph+5.5 mph
80 mph85.9 mph+5.9 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/35R17 or 215/45R17?
215/45R17 is taller by 1.69 inches (24.62" vs 22.93"). 215/35R17 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/35R17 with 215/45R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +7.4%, more than the 3% most shops and makers allow. It will throw off the speedometer and may affect ABS, stability control and clearance.
How much will 215/45R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/45R17 fitted (calibrated for 215/35R17), your real speed is 64.4 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 7.4%.
Will 215/45R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.85 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons