Skip to main content
TireShopper

275/65R20 vs LT315/70R17 tire size comparison

LT315/70R17 is 0.3 in (0.84%) taller than 275/65R20 and 1.6 in wider. They fit different wheels: 275/65R20 a 20-inch wheel and LT315/70R17 a 17-inch wheel.

275/65R20 and LT315/70R17 side by side

+0.3 in / +0.84%275/65R20: 34.1 in tall, solid lineLT315/70R17: 34.4 in tall, dashed line275/65R20Width 10.8 in (275 mm)Sidewall 7.0 in (179 mm)LT315/70R17Width 12.4 in (315 mm)Sidewall 8.7 in (221 mm)
275/65R20 is drawn with a solid line and LT315/70R17 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 275/65R20 and LT315/70R17, with the difference (LT315/70R17 minus 275/65R20)
Measurement275/65R20LT315/70R17DifferenceDifference %
Section width10.8 in (275 mm)12.4 in (315 mm)+1.6 in (+40 mm)+14.55%
Sidewall height7.0 in (179 mm)8.7 in (221 mm)+1.7 in (+42 mm)+23.36%
Wheel (rim) diameter20.0 in (508 mm)17.0 in (432 mm)-3.0 in (-76 mm)-15.00%
Overall diameter34.1 in (866 mm)34.4 in (873 mm)+0.3 in (+7 mm)+0.84%
Circumference107.0 in (2719 mm)108.0 in (2742 mm)+1.0 in (+23 mm)+0.84%
Revolutions per mile592587-5-0.84%

Differences are LT315/70R17 minus 275/65R20; percentages are relative to 275/65R20. These are nominal design dimensions. Real tires vary by brand, tread depth, wheel width, load and pressure.

The overall diameter differs by 0.84%, 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 275/65R20, the actual speed on LT315/70R17 is about 60.5 mph. When it reads 60 mph on a vehicle built for LT315/70R17, the actual speed on 275/65R20 is about 59.5 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, 275/65R20 against LT315/70R17
Speedometer readsActual on LT315/70R17 (built for 275/65R20)Actual on 275/65R20 (built for LT315/70R17)
20 mph20.2 mph19.8 mph
30 mph30.3 mph29.7 mph
40 mph40.3 mph39.7 mph
50 mph50.4 mph49.6 mph
60 mph60.5 mph59.5 mph
70 mph70.6 mph69.4 mph
80 mph80.7 mph79.3 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.

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.

Open this comparison in the calculator

Shop for 275/65R20 or LT315/70R17 tires

Confirm the size on your tire sidewall or door placard first. These links open each store's own search; prices and stock are on their sites.

We may earn a commission if you buy through these links. It doesn't change the price you pay. Read our affiliate disclosure.

Other comparisons with 275/65R20

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 275/65R20 in overall diameter.

Other comparisons with LT315/70R17

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to LT315/70R17 in overall diameter.

You might also need

Paid links to Amazon search results. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read our affiliate disclosure.