GarageCalc What 235/55R17 means
235 is the section width in millimeters (9.3 in). 55 is the aspect ratio: the sidewall is 55 percent of the width, so 235 × 0.55 = 129 mm (5.1 in). R is radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches (432 mm). Stack two sidewalls on the wheel and you get the overall diameter: 432 + 2 × 129 = 690 mm, or 27.2 in.
A full marking adds a load index and speed rating after the size, for example 235/55R17 91V. Those two codes set how much weight and speed the tire is certified for; look them up in the load index chart and the speed rating chart.
Plus and minus sizing from 235/55R17
Going up one wheel size, the closest match is 235/50R18 at +0.3% diameter with a 118 mm sidewall instead of 129 mm. Going down one size, 235/60R16 is -0.3% with a taller 141 mm sidewall for more comfort and pothole margin. Anything inside 3 percent keeps the speedometer, ABS and gearing effectively stock; the comparison calculator shows the full speedometer table for any pair.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is a 235/55R17 tire?
27.2 inches (690 mm) in overall diameter: the 17-inch wheel (432 mm) plus two 129 mm sidewalls. Real tires land within about 1 to 2 percent of that depending on brand, tread depth and pressure.
What is 235/55R17 in inches?
27.2 x 9.3 R17: 27.2 inches tall, 9.3 inches wide, on a 17-inch wheel. The sidewall is 5.1 inches and the circumference is 85.4 inches, so the tire turns 742 times per mile.
What tire sizes are equivalent to 235/55R17?
Within 3 percent of the same diameter on the same 17-inch wheel: 215/60R17 (-0.1%), 225/55R17 (-1.6%), 245/55R17 (+1.6%); on an 18-inch wheel: 235/50R18 (+0.3%), 215/55R18 (+0.5%); on a 16-inch wheel: 235/60R16 (-0.3%), 215/65R16 (-0.6%). The percentage is the diameter change, which is also your speedometer error.
Can I use 245/55R17 instead of 235/55R17?
Dimensionally yes: 245/55R17 is 1.6% taller (+11 mm) and 10 mm wider, and at a true 60 mph the speedometer would read 59.1 mph. The extra width needs about 0.20 in of clearance on each side of the tire and a rim width that suits 245 mm.