Tire size comparison
265/70R17 vs 35x12.50R17 Tires
A 35x12.50R17 tire is 3.39 inches (10.7%) taller and 2.07 inches wider than a 265/70R17. When the speedometer reads 60 mph after the swap, the true speed is about 66.4 mph. Every figure on this page is calculated from the two size codes.
- +10.7% diameter
- +2.07 in width
- 66.4 mph at 60
- -61.9 revs per mile
Change either size to compare something else
| Current | New | Difference |
|---|
Figures are nominal geometry calculated from the size code. A tire’s real measured diameter varies by brand, model and tread depth; check the manufacturer’s spec sheet before you buy, and confirm clearance, load index and speed rating for your vehicle.
Side-by-side specifications
| 265/70R17 | 35x12.50R17 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 31.61 in | 35.00 in | +3.39 in (+10.7%) |
| Section width | 10.43 in | 12.50 in | +2.07 in |
| Sidewall height | 7.30 in | 9.00 in | +1.70 in |
| Wheel diameter | 17 in | 17 in | +0 in |
| Circumference | 99.29 in | 109.96 in | +10.66 in |
| Revolutions per mile | 638.1 | 576.2 | -61.9 |
| Ground clearance change | +1.70 in |
Speedometer error at common speeds
The speedometer was calibrated for the original 265/70R17. The 35x12.50R17 covers 10.7% more ground per turn, so the true speed is higher than the reading.
| Speedometer shows | True speed | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 25 mph | 27.7 mph | +2.7 mph |
| 35 mph | 38.8 mph | +3.8 mph |
| 45 mph | 49.8 mph | +4.8 mph |
| 55 mph | 60.9 mph | +5.9 mph |
| 60 mph | 66.4 mph | +6.4 mph |
| 65 mph | 72.0 mph | +7.0 mph |
| 70 mph | 77.5 mph | +7.5 mph |
| 75 mph | 83.1 mph | +8.1 mph |
| 80 mph | 88.6 mph | +8.6 mph |
Will a 35x12.50R17 fit in place of a 265/70R17?
- HeightThe overall diameter changes by +3.39 inches. The tread moves 1.70 inches closer to the fender at the top.
- Ground clearanceThe axle sits about 1.70 inches higher: half the change in diameter.
- WidthOn the same wheel and offset the tire grows 1.03 inches on each side, toward the suspension and toward the fender. Check full steering lock.
- WheelBoth sizes mount on a 17-inch wheel. Confirm your wheel width is inside the approved rim width range in the tire maker's specification sheet.
- Load and speedThe size code does not set load capacity. The new tire must meet the load index and speed rating on your door placard: check the chart.
Frequently asked questions
How much taller is a 35x12.50R17 than a 265/70R17?
3.39 inches, or 10.7%: 31.61 inches against 35.00 inches of overall diameter, calculated from the size codes. Measured diameters vary slightly by tire model and tread depth, so check the maker's specification for the exact tire.
Will my speedometer be off with 35x12.50R17 tires?
Yes, by about 10.7%. At an indicated 60 mph you would be doing about 66.4 mph, and at an indicated 70 mph about 77.5 mph. A recalibration tool or a dealer can correct the reading.
Can I mount 35x12.50R17 tires on the wheels I use for 265/70R17?
The wheel diameter matches (17 inches). Whether your wheel width suits the new tire depends on the approved rim width range published by the tire maker, so check it before you buy.
How many revolutions per mile does a 35x12.50R17 make?
About 576 revolutions per mile, against 638 for a 265/70R17, calculated from the nominal diameter. The maker's published figure for a specific tire can differ slightly.