A 265/70R17 tire stands about 31.6 inches tall and 10.4 inches wide, fitting a 17-inch wheel.
If you’re shopping for truck or SUV tires, the numbers in the size code tell you exactly what will fit. A 265/70R17 tire is roughly 31.6 inches in diameter, which is a common sizing for light trucks and full-size SUVs. Here’s what each part means and how the dimensions work out in practice.
What The Numbers In 265/70R17 Mean
The size code breaks into four pieces: 265, 70, R, and 17. Each one describes a specific measurement of the tire.
- 265 — Section width in millimeters, measured across the widest point of the tire. That’s 265 mm, or about 10.4 inches.
- 70 — Aspect ratio. The sidewall height is 70% of the section width, working out to 185.5 mm, or roughly 7.3 inches.
- R — Radial construction, which nearly all modern passenger and light-truck tires use.
- 17 — Wheel diameter in inches. This tire mounts on a 17-inch rim.
Add the sidewall height (7.3 inches) to half the wheel diameter (8.5 inches), and you get an overall diameter of about 31.6 inches. Sources like tiresize.com’s 265/70R17 page and Pirelli’s size catalog list the same figures with minor rounding differences.
Key Measurements: Diameter, Width, And Revolutions
Beyond the basic height and width, three numbers matter most when comparing tires: circumference, revolutions per mile, and approved rim width. The circumference of a 265/70R17 is about 99.3 inches, which means the tire rotates roughly 638 times per mile.
| Measurement | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 31.6 in / 802.8 mm | Varies slightly by brand |
| Section width | 10.4 in / 265 mm | Measured at the widest point |
| Sidewall height | 7.3 in / 185.5 mm | 70% of section width |
| Circumference | 99.3 in / 2522.1 mm | Drives speedometer readings |
| Revolutions per mile | ~638 | Useful for gear ratios |
| Approved rim width | 7.0–9.0 in | LT versions: 7.0–8.5 in |
The approved rim-width range matters when you’re swapping wheels. A 265/70R17 fits rims from 7.0 to 9.0 inches wide for standard passenger versions, while LT (light-truck) versions accept 7.0 to 8.5 inches.
Do All 265/70R17 Tires Have The Same Specs?
No. The size tells you the physical dimensions, but load capacity, speed rating, and weight differ by brand and version. A standard-load Cooper Discoverer AT3 in this size lists at 31.43 inches diameter, a 2679 lb max load, and a 118 mph speed rating, while the LT265/70R17 E version runs 31.65 inches, 3195 lb max load, and a 112 mph rating. The Toyo Open Country A/T III tracks similarly at 31.7 inches with a 2679 lb load.
That’s why “265/70R17” alone isn’t enough to know what a tire can carry. You need the service description — the load index and speed rating printed on the sidewall — along with the load range (SL, XL, or LT). Always check the specific tire model’s spec sheet before buying.
Fitment: Will 265/70R17 Fit Your Truck?
This size is a common choice for trucks and SUVs, but it’s not universally interchangeable. Fitment depends on wheel width, suspension clearance, and brake package. A truck that came with 265/70R17 from the factory will accept them without issue, but swapping from a different size requires checking clearance and, ideally, consulting an online fitment calculator or your vehicle’s manual.
If you’re ready to compare options, our tested roundup of the best all-season tires in 265/70R17 breaks down the top performers for daily driving and light off-road use.
References & Sources
- TireSize.com. “P-Metric Tire Sizes: 265/70R17.” Provides diameter, width, and revolution figures for this size.
- Pirelli. “Tire Size 265/70 R17.” Official manufacturer specs for this tire size.