Tire Size Box

215/65R17 vs 235/65R17

235/65R17 compared with 215/65R17

+3.7% diameter, +0.8" width

235/65R17 is 29.03" tall vs 28.00". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

28.0"17" rim5.5"8.5" wide
215/65R17 (solid) compared with 235/65R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/65R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.2 mph

235/65R17 is +1.02 inches (+3.7%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/65R17235/65R17Difference%
Overall diameter28.00"29.03"+1.02"+3.7%
Section width8.46"9.25"+0.79"+9.3%
Sidewall height5.50"6.01"+0.51"+9.3%
Circumference87.98"91.19"+3.22"+3.7%
Revolutions per mile720.2694.8−25.4−3.5%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/65R17 and you fit 235/65R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.1 mph+1.1 mph
40 mph41.5 mph+1.5 mph
50 mph51.8 mph+1.8 mph
60 mph62.2 mph+2.2 mph
65 mph67.4 mph+2.4 mph
70 mph72.6 mph+2.6 mph
75 mph77.7 mph+2.7 mph
80 mph82.9 mph+2.9 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/65R17 or 235/65R17?
235/65R17 is taller by 1.02 inches (29.03" vs 28.00"). 235/65R17 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 215/65R17 with 235/65R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.7%, 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 235/65R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/65R17 fitted (calibrated for 215/65R17), your real speed is 62.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.7%.
Will 235/65R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.51 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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