Tire Size Box

235/55R17 vs 235/60R17

235/60R17 compared with 235/55R17

+3.4% diameter, 0.0" width

235/60R17 is 28.10" tall vs 27.18". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.2"17" rim5.1"9.3" wide
235/55R17 (solid) compared with 235/60R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

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

62.0 mph

235/60R17 is +0.93 inches (+3.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

235/55R17235/60R17Difference%
Overall diameter27.18"28.10"+0.93"+3.4%
Section width9.25"9.25"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.09"5.55"+0.46"+9.1%
Circumference85.38"88.29"+2.91"+3.4%
Revolutions per mile742.1717.7−24.4−3.3%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 235/55R17 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 mph62.0 mph+2.0 mph
65 mph67.2 mph+2.2 mph
70 mph72.4 mph+2.4 mph
75 mph77.6 mph+2.6 mph
80 mph82.7 mph+2.7 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 235/55R17 or 235/60R17?
235/60R17 is taller by 0.93 inches (28.10" vs 27.18"). 235/55R17 is the same width.
Can I replace 235/55R17 with 235/60R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.4%, 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 235/60R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/60R17 fitted (calibrated for 235/55R17), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.4%.
Will 235/60R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.46 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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