CarSpecsHQ

275/55R17 vs 255/65R16

255/65R16 is a safe swap for 275/55R17 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.49%.

17" → 16"
275/55R17 28.91" · 255/65R16 29.05" · drawn to scale

Side by side

275/55R17255/65R16Difference
Overall diameter28.91"29.05"+0.14" (+0.49%)
Section width275 mm255 mm-20 mm
Sidewall5.95"6.53"+0.57"
Rim17"16"-1"
Circumference90.8"91.3"+0.4"
Revs per mile698694-3
Ride height——+0.07"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.3+0.3 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.3 mph

With 255/65R16 on a car calibrated for 275/55R17, the speedometer reads 59.7 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 0.5%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.1 mph
45 mph45.2 mph
60 mph60.3 mph
70 mph70.3 mph
80 mph80.4 mph

Other sizes close to 275/55R17

Questions

Can I replace 275/55R17 with 255/65R16?

255/65R16 is a safe swap for 275/55R17 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.49%.

What's the difference between 275/55R17 and 255/65R16?

255/65R16 is 0.14" taller and 20 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.57". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.3 mph.

Will 255/65R16 fit on 275/55R17 wheels?

No — 275/55R17 needs a 17" wheel and 255/65R16 a 16" wheel. This is a plus/minus-size swap that changes wheels too.