Tire Size Box

215/60R17 vs 235/60R17

235/60R17 compared with 215/60R17

+3.5% diameter, +0.8" width

235/60R17 is 28.10" tall vs 27.16". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.2"17" rim5.1"8.5" wide
215/60R17 (solid) compared with 235/60R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/60R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.1 mph

235/60R17 is +0.94 inches (+3.5%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/60R17235/60R17Difference%
Overall diameter27.16"28.10"+0.94"+3.5%
Section width8.46"9.25"+0.79"+9.3%
Sidewall height5.08"5.55"+0.47"+9.3%
Circumference85.32"88.29"+2.97"+3.5%
Revolutions per mile742.6717.7−25.0−3.4%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/60R17 and you fit 235/60R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.4 mph+1.4 mph
50 mph51.7 mph+1.7 mph
60 mph62.1 mph+2.1 mph
65 mph67.3 mph+2.3 mph
70 mph72.4 mph+2.4 mph
75 mph77.6 mph+2.6 mph
80 mph82.8 mph+2.8 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/60R17 or 235/60R17?
235/60R17 is taller by 0.94 inches (28.10" vs 27.16"). 235/60R17 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 215/60R17 with 235/60R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.5%, 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 235/60R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/60R17 fitted (calibrated for 215/60R17), your real speed is 62.1 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.5%.
Will 235/60R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.47 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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