235/55R17 tire size in inches

A 235/55R17 tire measures

27.2" tall × 9.3" wide

5.09" sidewall on a 17" wheel. 742 revolutions per mile.

235/55R17 means a tire 235 mm wide, with sidewalls 55% as tall as the tire is wide (129 mm), radial construction (R), for a 17 inch wheel.

27.2"17" rim5.1"9.3" wide
235/55R17: 27.2 inches tall, 9.3 inches wide, on a 17 inch rim, drawn to scale

235/55R17 specs

Overall diameter (height)27.18 inches (690 mm)
Section width9.25 inches (235 mm)
Sidewall height5.09 inches (129 mm)
Wheel (rim) diameter17 inches
Circumference85.4 inches (2,169 mm)
Revolutions per mile742
Revolutions per kilometer461
Approximate rim width6.5" to 8.0"
In inches (flotation style)27.2x9.3R17
Aspect ratio55%

Calculated from the size. Real tires differ by brand, model and tread depth, typically by a few tenths of an inch.

Sizes that can replace 235/55R17 on a 17" wheel

These 17" sizes are within 3% of 235/55R17's overall diameter, the range most tire shops treat as interchangeable.

SizeDiameterWidthDifferenceReal speed at 60
185/70R1727.20"7.28"+0.1%60.0 mphCompare
215/60R1727.16"8.46"−0.1%60.0 mphCompare
285/45R1727.10"11.22"−0.3%59.8 mphCompare
255/50R1727.04"10.04"−0.5%59.7 mphCompare
195/65R1726.98"7.68"−0.7%59.6 mphCompare
265/50R1727.43"10.43"+0.9%60.6 mphCompare
315/40R1726.92"12.40"−0.9%59.4 mphCompare
295/45R1727.45"11.61"+1.0%60.6 mphCompare
205/65R1727.49"8.07"+1.2%60.7 mphCompare
245/55R1727.61"9.65"+1.6%61.0 mphCompare
225/55R1726.74"8.86"−1.6%59.0 mphCompare
275/45R1726.74"10.83"−1.6%59.0 mphCompare

Same height on other wheel sizes (plus and minus sizing)

SizeWheelDiameterDifference
225/80R1313"27.17"0.0%Compare
225/35R2121"27.20"+0.1%Compare
315/25R2121"27.20"+0.1%Compare
305/30R2020"27.20"+0.1%Compare
345/30R1919"27.15"−0.1%Compare
195/60R1818"27.21"+0.1%Compare
265/25R2222"27.22"+0.1%Compare
285/50R1616"27.22"+0.2%Compare
295/35R1919"27.13"−0.2%Compare
335/35R1818"27.23"+0.2%Compare
205/75R1515"27.11"−0.3%Compare
235/50R1818"27.25"+0.3%Compare

One size up or down

Compare 235/55R17 with another size

With 245/55R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.0 mph

245/55R17 is +0.43 inches (+1.6%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

235/55R17245/55R17Difference%
Overall diameter27.18"27.61"+0.43"+1.6%
Section width9.25"9.65"+0.39"+4.3%
Sidewall height5.09"5.31"+0.22"+4.3%
Circumference85.38"86.74"+1.36"+1.6%
Revolutions per mile742.1730.5−11.6−1.6%

Questions

How tall is a 235/55R17 tire?
A 235/55R17 tire is 27.2 inches tall (690 mm), calculated from the size. It is 9.3 inches wide with 5.1 inches sidewalls. Real tires vary by a few tenths of an inch between brands and tread patterns.
What does 235/55R17 mean?
235/55R17 means a tire 235 mm wide, with sidewalls 55% as tall as the tire is wide (129 mm), radial construction (R), for a 17 inch wheel.
How many revolutions per mile does a 235/55R17 tire make?
About 742 revolutions per mile, based on a circumference of 85.4 inches. Under load the tire flattens slightly, so the maker's published figure is usually a little higher.
What rim width fits a 235/55R17 tire?
Roughly 6.5" to 8.0". Check the tire maker's approved rim range for the exact model before buying wheels.
Can I use 185/70R17 instead of 235/55R17?
185/70R17 is +0.02 inches (+0.1%) in overall diameter, so at an indicated 60 mph you would be doing 60.0 mph. Differences under 3% are usually fine, but check clearance, load index and your vehicle's placard.

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