Tire Size Box

265/35R17 vs 265/45R17

265/45R17 compared with 265/35R17

+8.6% diameter, 0.0" width

265/45R17 is 26.39" tall vs 24.30". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.3"17" rim3.7"10.4" wide
265/35R17 (solid) compared with 265/45R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/45R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

65.2 mph

265/45R17 is +2.09 inches (+8.6%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

265/35R17265/45R17Difference%
Overall diameter24.30"26.39"+2.09"+8.6%
Section width10.43"10.43"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height3.65"4.69"+1.04"+28.6%
Circumference76.35"82.91"+6.56"+8.6%
Revolutions per mile829.9764.2−65.6−7.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 265/35R17 and you fit 265/45R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.7 mph+1.7 mph
30 mph32.6 mph+2.6 mph
40 mph43.4 mph+3.4 mph
50 mph54.3 mph+4.3 mph
60 mph65.2 mph+5.2 mph
65 mph70.6 mph+5.6 mph
70 mph76.0 mph+6.0 mph
75 mph81.4 mph+6.4 mph
80 mph86.9 mph+6.9 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 265/35R17 or 265/45R17?
265/45R17 is taller by 2.09 inches (26.39" vs 24.30"). 265/35R17 is the same width.
Can I replace 265/35R17 with 265/45R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +8.6%, 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 265/45R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/45R17 fitted (calibrated for 265/35R17), your real speed is 65.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 8.6%.
Will 265/45R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.04 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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