GarageCalc What 245/45R17 means
245 is the section width in millimeters (9.6 in). 45 is the aspect ratio: the sidewall is 45 percent of the width, so 245 × 0.45 = 110 mm (4.3 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 × 110 = 652 mm, or 25.7 in.
A full marking adds a load index and speed rating after the size, for example 245/45R17 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 245/45R17
Going up one wheel size, the closest match is 245/40R18 at +0.1% diameter with a 98 mm sidewall instead of 110 mm. Going down one size, 225/55R16 is +0.2% with a taller 124 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 245/45R17 tire?
25.7 inches (652 mm) in overall diameter: the 17-inch wheel (432 mm) plus two 110 mm sidewalls. Real tires land within about 1 to 2 percent of that depending on brand, tread depth and pressure.
What is 245/45R17 in inches?
25.7 x 9.6 R17: 25.7 inches tall, 9.6 inches wide, on a 17-inch wheel. The sidewall is 4.3 inches and the circumference is 80.7 inches, so the tire turns 785 times per mile.
What tire sizes are equivalent to 245/45R17?
Within 3 percent of the same diameter on the same 17-inch wheel: 225/50R17 (+0.7%), 235/45R17 (-1.4%), 255/45R17 (+1.4%); on an 18-inch wheel: 245/40R18 (+0.1%), 235/40R18 (-1.1%); on a 16-inch wheel: 225/55R16 (+0.2%). The percentage is the diameter change, which is also your speedometer error.
Can I use 255/45R17 instead of 245/45R17?
Dimensionally yes: 255/45R17 is 1.4% taller (+9 mm) and 10 mm wider, and at a true 60 mph the speedometer would read 59.2 mph. The extra width needs about 0.20 in of clearance on each side of the tire and a rim width that suits 255 mm.