Tire Size Box

295/65R17 vs 305/65R17

305/65R17 compared with 295/65R17

+1.6% diameter, +0.4" width

305/65R17 is 32.61" tall vs 32.10". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

32.1"17" rim7.5"11.6" wide
295/65R17 (solid) compared with 305/65R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 305/65R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.0 mph

305/65R17 is +0.51 inches (+1.6%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

295/65R17305/65R17Difference%
Overall diameter32.10"32.61"+0.51"+1.6%
Section width11.61"12.01"+0.39"+3.4%
Sidewall height7.55"7.81"+0.26"+3.4%
Circumference100.84"102.45"+1.61"+1.6%
Revolutions per mile628.3618.5−9.9−1.6%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 295/65R17 and you fit 305/65R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.3 mph+0.3 mph
30 mph30.5 mph+0.5 mph
40 mph40.6 mph+0.6 mph
50 mph50.8 mph+0.8 mph
60 mph61.0 mph+1.0 mph
65 mph66.0 mph+1.0 mph
70 mph71.1 mph+1.1 mph
75 mph76.2 mph+1.2 mph
80 mph81.3 mph+1.3 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 295/65R17 or 305/65R17?
305/65R17 is taller by 0.51 inches (32.61" vs 32.10"). 305/65R17 is wider by 0.39 inches.
Can I replace 295/65R17 with 305/65R17?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +1.6%, inside the 3% rule of thumb most tire shops use. Check that the wider or taller tire clears your suspension and fenders, and that its load index meets your placard.
How much will 305/65R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 305/65R17 fitted (calibrated for 295/65R17), your real speed is 61.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 1.6%.
Will 305/65R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.26 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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