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235/65R17 vs 285/40R20 tire size comparison

235/65R17285/40R20

285/40R20 is 1 mm (0.18%) shorter than 235/65R17 and 1.9 in wider. They fit different wheels: 235/65R17 a 17-inch wheel and 285/40R20 a 20-inch wheel.

235/65R17 and 285/40R20 side by side

0.0 in / -0.18%235/65R17: 29.0 in tall, solid line285/40R20: 29.0 in tall, dashed line235/65R17Width 9.3 in (235 mm)Sidewall 6.0 in (153 mm)285/40R20Width 11.2 in (285 mm)Sidewall 4.5 in (114 mm)
235/65R17 is drawn with a solid line and 285/40R20 with a dashed line. In each drawing both tires are to the same scale; the tread shoulder and bead curves are simplified. The table below has the same numbers.
Dimensions of 235/65R17 and 285/40R20, with the difference (285/40R20 minus 235/65R17)
Measurement235/65R17285/40R20DifferenceDifference %
Section width9.3 in (235 mm)11.2 in (285 mm)+1.9 in (+50 mm)+21.28%
Sidewall height6.0 in (153 mm)4.5 in (114 mm)-1.5 in (-39 mm)-25.37%
Wheel (rim) diameter17.0 in (432 mm)20.0 in (508 mm)+3.0 in (+76 mm)+17.65%
Overall diameter29.0 in (737 mm)29.0 in (736 mm)0.0 in (-1 mm)-0.18%
Circumference91.2 in (2316 mm)91.0 in (2312 mm)-0.2 in (-4 mm)-0.18%
Revolutions per mile695696+1+0.18%

Differences are 285/40R20 minus 235/65R17; percentages are relative to 235/65R17. These are nominal design dimensions. Real tires vary by brand, tread depth, wheel width, load and pressure.

The overall diameter differs by 0.18%, which is within the common 3% rule of thumb.

The rule of thumb keeps a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. It covers diameter only. It is not a fit, load or safety check, because width, wheel diameter, load capacity and clearance matter too. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.

Speedometer difference

When the speedometer reads 60 mph on a vehicle built for 235/65R17, the actual speed on 285/40R20 is about 59.9 mph. When it reads 60 mph on a vehicle built for 285/40R20, the actual speed on 235/65R17 is about 60.1 mph. These figures assume the speedometer is accurate on the original size and use nominal dimensions, so treat them as estimates.

Actual speed for a given speedometer reading, 235/65R17 against 285/40R20
Speedometer readsActual on 285/40R20 (built for 235/65R17)Actual on 235/65R17 (built for 285/40R20)
20 mph20.0 mph20.0 mph
30 mph29.9 mph30.1 mph
40 mph39.9 mph40.1 mph
50 mph49.9 mph50.1 mph
60 mph59.9 mph60.1 mph
70 mph69.9 mph70.1 mph
80 mph79.9 mph80.1 mph

A common rule of thumb is to keep a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. Check the tire placard on the driver's door jamb and your owner's manual for the sizes your vehicle was built for. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.

Which vehicles use each size?

These vehicles list the size among their verified sizes, by trim. Open one to see all of its sizes.

285/40R20

Check it in the calculator

The calculator takes the same two sizes and shows the full comparison, or lets you swap either one for another size.

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Shop for 235/65R17 or 285/40R20 tires

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Other comparisons with 235/65R17

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 235/65R17 in overall diameter.

Other comparisons with 285/40R20

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 285/40R20 in overall diameter.

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