ElpiAuto

Tire size comparison

285/70R17 vs 305/70R17

305/70R17 is 1.10″ (28 mm) taller than 285/70R17, a 3.4% difference in overall diameter — outside the ±3% band, so expect the speedometer to drift and check for rubbing before fitting.

32.71″33.81″A  285/70R17B  305/70R17Both sizes to scale · dimension lines in inches
Measurement285/70R17305/70R17Difference%
Overall diameter32.71″33.81″+1.10″+3.4%
Section width11.22″12.01″+0.79″+7.0%
Sidewall height7.85″8.41″+0.55″+7.0%
Circumference102.76″106.22″+3.46″+3.4%
Revs per mile616.6596.5−20.1−3.3%
Revs per km383.1370.6−12.5−3.3%

Speedometer: with 285/70R17 as the original, 305/70R17 makes an indicated 60 mph really about 62.0 mph, and the axle sits ~0.55″ higher.

Reading this comparison

The overall diameter is what matters here: 305/70R17 is the taller tire. It sets ride height, gearing and how far the tire travels per revolution — which is what the speedometer and odometer count. Width and sidewall change fit and feel (a wider tire needs a wider wheel and more clearance; a shorter sidewall sharpens steering) but not the gearing.

Figures are geometric estimates from the size codes; real moulded tires vary by brand by 1–3%. Confirm load rating, wheel width and physical clearance on your vehicle before fitting. To compare any other two sizes, use the tire size comparison tool; to decode one size and see what else fits its wheel, the tire size calculator.

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