Tire Size Box

245/60R17 vs 265/60R17

265/60R17 compared with 245/60R17

+3.3% diameter, +0.8" width

265/60R17 is 29.52" tall vs 28.57". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

28.6"17" rim5.8"9.6" wide
245/60R17 (solid) compared with 265/60R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/60R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.0 mph

265/60R17 is +0.94 inches (+3.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

245/60R17265/60R17Difference%
Overall diameter28.57"29.52"+0.94"+3.3%
Section width9.65"10.43"+0.79"+8.2%
Sidewall height5.79"6.26"+0.47"+8.2%
Circumference89.77"92.74"+2.97"+3.3%
Revolutions per mile705.8683.2−22.6−3.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 245/60R17 and you fit 265/60R17, 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 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.7 mph+1.7 mph
60 mph62.0 mph+2.0 mph
65 mph67.1 mph+2.1 mph
70 mph72.3 mph+2.3 mph
75 mph77.5 mph+2.5 mph
80 mph82.6 mph+2.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 245/60R17 or 265/60R17?
265/60R17 is taller by 0.94 inches (29.52" vs 28.57"). 265/60R17 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 245/60R17 with 265/60R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.3%, 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 265/60R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/60R17 fitted (calibrated for 245/60R17), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.3%.
Will 265/60R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.47 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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