TireFitLab

235/55 R17

What size is 235/55 R17?

235/55 R17 has an overall diameter of about 27.18 in, a section width of 9.25 in and a sidewall height of 5.09 in. It turns roughly 742 times per mile. Below are the exact figures plus plus/minus sizes that stay within the selected diameter tolerance.

Geometric comparison

215/60 R17 stays within the configured tolerance for 235/55 R17: -0.1% diameter and -0.1% speedometer effect.

Geometric comparison
Metric This size: 235/55 R17 Alternative: 215/60 R17 Difference Verdict
Overall diameter 27.18 in 27.16 in -0.1% Within tolerance
Section width 9.25 in 8.46 in -0.79 in Computed difference
Sidewall height 5.09 in 5.08 in -0.01 in Computed difference
Circumference 85.38 in 85.32 in -0.1% Within tolerance
Speedo 0.0% -0.1% -0.1% Within tolerance

Seasonal check

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What this geometry means

235/55 R17 has a mid-range sidewall proportion. The marking combines nominal section width 9.25 in, sidewall ratio 55% and rim diameter 17 inches. One sidewall is 5.09 in; both sidewalls make up 37% of the 27.18 in overall diameter, while the rim makes up 63%.

At the nominal 85.38 in circumference, 1,000 rotations cover 2.17 km (1.35 mi); the inverse rates are 461/km and 742/mi.

Section-width mix versus 235/55 R17: 6 narrower, 2 equal-width and 4 wider entries.

The closest diameter entry is 215/60 R17 at -0.1%. Relative to 235/55 R17, it changes nominal section width by -0.79 in, each sidewall by -0.01 in and radius by -0.01 in.

Curated alternatives: 12 sizes, spanning -1.6% to +1.2% in nominal diameter versus 235/55 R17.

Width endpoints in that set are 215/60 R17 (-0.79 in) and 255/35 R20 (+0.79 in) relative to 235/55 R17.

This is a nominal geometry comparison only. Vehicle clearance, wheel width and offset, load and speed ratings, and manufacturer approval still require separate checks.

Specification

Specification
Overall diameter 27.18 in
Section width 9.25 in
Sidewall height 5.09 in
Circumference 85.38 in
Revolutions 461 /km · 742 /mi

In-tolerance sizes

Alternative sizes that stay within the selected diameter tolerance:

In-tolerance sizes
Size Diameter Speedo Verdict
215/60 R17 -0.1% -0.1% ✓ OK
235/60 R16 -0.3% -0.3% ✓ OK
235/50 R18 +0.3% +0.3% ✓ OK
255/45 R18 -0.5% -0.5% ✓ OK
255/40 R19 -0.5% -0.5% ✓ OK
255/35 R20 -0.6% -0.6% ✓ OK
215/65 R16 -0.6% -0.6% ✓ OK
225/70 R15 +0.8% +0.8% ✓ OK
215/70 R15 -1.2% -1.2% ✓ OK
225/65 R16 +1.2% +1.2% ✓ OK
245/35 R20 -1.6% -1.6% ✓ OK
225/55 R17 -1.6% -1.6% ✓ OK

Compare sizes

Looks valid
Looks valid
Units
Minor variationWithin tolerance · Diameter -0.1% (-0.02 in) · US (~3%)
  • Minor variation · This rating covers tire geometry only, not vehicle compatibility.
  • Diameter -0.1% · Ride-height change -0.01 in.
  • Speedometer reads high · 60 mph → 60.0 mph.
  • Sidewall -0.01 in · Width -0.79 in.
Diameter-0.1%-0.02 in
Speedo @ 60-0.1%60 mph → 60.0 mph
Sidewall-0.01 inWidth -0.79 in
Ride-height change-0.01 inDiameter ÷ 2
How this result is calculated

Computed from nominal tire-size geometry: diameter, circumference and speedometer error. It does not check vehicle placard approval, load/speed rating, rim-width range, wheel-arch, suspension or brake clearance.

Methodology

Before fitting

  • Check the vehicle placard and owner’s manual first.
  • Match or exceed the required load index and speed rating.
  • Confirm rim-width range, bolt pattern, hub bore, offset and fasteners.
  • Inspect wheel-arch, suspension and brake clearance under real vehicle load.
  • Check TPMS, cold pressure and local roadworthiness rules.
Diameter
27.18 in 27.16 in-0.02 in
Sidewall
5.09 in 5.08 in-0.01 in
Width
9.25 in 8.46 in-0.79 in
Circumference
85.38 in 85.32 in-0.1%
Revs / mile
742 743
Speedo @ 60
60 mph 60.0 mph-0.1%
Ride-height change
0.00 in -0.01 in
True distance per 100 indicated
100 mi 99.9 mi-0.1%
Δ⌀ -0.02 inΔ↔ -0.79 in
  • Current — 235/55 R17
  • New — 215/60 R17
  • Grounded to the road: the axle rises -0.01 in.

Result report

235/55 R17 215/60 R17 · Minor variation · Within tolerance

Plan budget for this size: 215/60 R17

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Plan budget for this size
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Budget$70–$95Per tireMid-range$90–$125Per tirePremium$125–$180Per tire

Geometric estimate. Always verify physical clearance (arches, suspension, brakes) before fitting.

In-tolerance alternative sizes

In-tolerance alternative sizes
SizeDiameterSpeedo @ 100Use this
OE 235/55R17+0.0%+0.0%

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Last reviewed: 2026-07-22

Technical check
2026-07-22
Content updated
2026-07-22
What changed
  • Added a localized engine-derived geometry signature and matching Markdown narrative.
Methodology