CarSpecsHQ

215/65R17 vs 275/55R17

275/55R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/65R17: the diameter differs by +3.23%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

17" rim
215/65R17 28.00" · 275/55R17 28.91" · drawn to scale

Side by side

215/65R17275/55R17Difference
Overall diameter28.00"28.91"+0.91" (+3.23%)
Section width215 mm275 mm+60 mm
Sidewall5.50"5.95"+0.45"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference88.0"90.8"+2.8"
Revs per mile720698-23
Ride height——+0.45"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.061.9+1.9 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 61.9 mph

With 275/55R17 on a car calibrated for 215/65R17, the speedometer reads 58.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.5 mph
60 mph61.9 mph
70 mph72.3 mph
80 mph82.6 mph

Other sizes close to 215/65R17

Questions

Can I replace 215/65R17 with 275/55R17?

275/55R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/65R17: the diameter differs by +3.23%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 215/65R17 and 275/55R17?

275/55R17 is 0.91" taller and 60 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.45". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 61.9 mph.

Will 275/55R17 fit on 215/65R17 wheels?

Both use a 17" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 275 mm tire and the fender clearance.