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LT265/70R17 tires: size explained

LT265/70R17

LT265/70R17 is an LT (light truck) metric tire size. It is about 31.6 in (803 mm) tall, 265 mm wide, and made for a 17-inch wheel.

What LT265/70R17 means

A tire size describes the tire's shape and the wheel it fits. It says nothing about load capacity or speed capability, which are printed separately on the sidewall.

LTLT (light truck)
LT means light truck. These tires are built to a light-truck load standard rather than the passenger-tire one. How much a specific tire can carry is set by its load index and load range on the sidewall, not by the size.
265Section width
The tire's width is 265 millimeters (10.4 in), measured from sidewall to sidewall.
70Aspect ratio
The sidewall height is 70% of the width. For 265 mm that is about 7.3 in (186 mm). A smaller number means a shorter sidewall.
RRadial construction
R means radial construction, where the internal cords run across the tire from one edge to the other.
17Wheel (rim) diameter
The tire is made for a wheel 17 inches across. Its overall diameter is larger: about 31.6 in (803 mm).

LT265/70R17 dimensions

31.6 inOverall diameter: 31.6 in (803 mm)Rim diameter: 17.0 in (432 mm)Sidewall height: 7.3 in (186 mm)10.4 inSection width: 10.4 in (265 mm)Sidewall height: 7.3 in (186 mm)
Each drawing is to scale on its own. The curves of the tread shoulder and bead are simplified; the table below has the same numbers.
Section width
10.4 in (265 mm)
Sidewall height
7.3 in (186 mm)
Wheel (rim) diameter
17.0 in (432 mm)
Overall diameter
31.6 in (803 mm)
Circumference
99.3 in (2522 mm)
Revolutions per mile
638

These are nominal design dimensions. Real tires vary by brand, tread depth, wheel width, load and pressure.

Which vehicles use LT265/70R17?

These vehicles list LT265/70R17 among their verified sizes, by trim. Open one to see all of its sizes.

Shop for LT265/70R17 tires

Confirm the size on your tire sidewall or door placard first. These links open each store's own search for LT265/70R17; prices and stock are on their sites.

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Snow chains and tire socks for LT265/70R17

Where winter roads call for extra traction, chains and tire socks are two options that fit over your tires. They are made for specific tire sizes, so these links open Amazon searches for LT265/70R17. Whether they suit your vehicle depends on its clearance and the local rules.

Snow chains for LT265/70R17 (Amazon search, opens in a new tab)Tire socks for LT265/70R17 (Amazon search, opens in a new tab)

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

Before you buy

  • Chains and socks are sold by tire size, so match the size on your sidewall exactly.
  • Check your owner's manual first: many newer cars and SUVs limit or prohibit chains, or require low-profile (often called SAE Class S) chains because of tight wheel-well clearance.
  • Tire socks are a lighter-duty option; check your state's rules, because some areas only accept chains when chain controls are in effect.
  • Put them on the drive wheels (or as your manual says) and follow the maker's speed limit.

Similar sizes

These common sizes have an overall diameter within about 3% of LT265/70R17. A common rule of thumb is to keep a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.

Common sizes with an overall diameter close to LT265/70R17
SizeWheel diameterDiameter differenceCalculator
265/70R1717 in (same)0.00%Compare LT265/70R17 with 265/70R17
275/55R2020 in (different)+0.96%Compare LT265/70R17 with 275/55R20
255/70R1818 in (different)+1.42%Compare LT265/70R17 with 255/70R18
275/65R1818 in (different)+1.48%Compare LT265/70R17 with 275/65R18

Compare LT265/70R17 with similar sizes

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to LT265/70R17 in overall diameter.

Compare LT265/70R17 with another size

See how another size differs in height, width, sidewall and speedometer reading in the tire size calculator.

Compare LT265/70R17 with another size

Questions about LT265/70R17

What does LT265/70R17 mean?

LT265/70R17 describes the shape and size of a tire, not how much it can carry or how fast it can go. 265 is the width in millimeters, 70 is the sidewall height as a percentage of that width (about 186 mm), R is the construction type and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches.

How tall is a LT265/70R17 tire?

A LT265/70R17 tire has a nominal overall diameter of about 31.6 in (803 mm), with a sidewall about 7.3 in (186 mm) tall. These are nominal design dimensions. Real tires vary by brand, tread depth, wheel width, load and pressure.

How many revolutions per mile does a LT265/70R17 tire make?

About 638 revolutions per mile, based on a circumference of 99.3 in (2522 mm). A vehicle's speedometer and odometer are calibrated to the tire size it was built with, so a size with a different overall diameter changes what they read. A common rule of thumb is to keep a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.

Which sizes have a similar diameter to LT265/70R17?

Among the common sizes we list, these are within about 3% of the overall diameter of LT265/70R17: 265/70R17 (0.00%), 275/55R20 (+0.96%), 255/70R18 (+1.42%), and 1 more. Diameter is only one measure. Width, wheel diameter, load capacity and clearance matter too. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.

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