Tire Size Box

295/70R16 vs 275/70R17

275/70R17 compared with 295/70R16

−0.3% diameter, −0.8" width

275/70R17 is 32.16" tall vs 32.26". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

32.3"16" rim8.1"11.6" wide
295/70R16 (solid) compared with 275/70R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 275/70R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

59.8 mph

275/70R17 is −0.10 inches (−0.3%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

295/70R16275/70R17Difference%
Overall diameter32.26"32.16"−0.10"−0.3%
Section width11.61"10.83"−0.79"−6.8%
Sidewall height8.13"7.58"−0.55"−6.8%
Circumference101.35"101.03"−0.32"−0.3%
Revolutions per mile625.2627.2+2.0+0.3%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 295/70R16 and you fit 275/70R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph19.9 mph−0.1 mph
30 mph29.9 mph−0.1 mph
40 mph39.9 mph−0.1 mph
50 mph49.8 mph−0.2 mph
60 mph59.8 mph−0.2 mph
65 mph64.8 mph−0.2 mph
70 mph69.8 mph−0.2 mph
75 mph74.8 mph−0.2 mph
80 mph79.7 mph−0.3 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 295/70R16 or 275/70R17?
295/70R16 is taller by 0.10 inches (32.26" vs 32.16"). 295/70R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 295/70R16 with 275/70R17?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is −0.3%, 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 275/70R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 275/70R17 fitted (calibrated for 295/70R16), your real speed is 59.8 mph. Your odometer will over-count miles by about 0.3%.
Will 275/70R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: −0.05 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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