Tube and Tyre Basic Guides By Carter Hayes June 22, 2026 9 min read

How Tall Is a 315 70 R17 Tire? Exact Height, Width & Dimensions

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A 315/70R17 tire is about 32.6 inches tall overall, with a 12.4-inch width and an 8.7-inch sidewall. You’re looking at a radial tire designed for a 17-inch rim, so the total diameter comes from the wheel plus two sidewalls. Its 315 mm section width and 70% aspect ratio give it a broad footprint and strong stability. If you’re checking fitment or comparing sizes, the numbers get even more useful from here.

Key Takeaways

  • A 315/70R17 tire is about 32.6 inches tall overall.
  • Its tread width is 315 mm, or about 12.4 inches wide.
  • The sidewall height is about 220.5 mm, or 8.68 inches.
  • It fits a 17-inch rim and uses a 70% aspect ratio.
  • It is slightly shorter than a 35×12.50R17, but wider than a 275/70R17.

How Tall Is a 315/70R17 Tire?

tire size and specifications

A 315/70R17 tire has an overall diameter of about 32.6 inches, or 828 mm. That’s the exact height you should use when comparing tire size options for your truck or SUV. The 70% aspect ratio means the sidewall height equals 70% of the 315 mm width, which drives the total diameter. In practical terms, you get a tall, capable fit that supports ground clearance, traction, and off-road stability. You’ll also need a 17-inch wheel to match the bead seat correctly, so installation stays safe and precise. If you’re choosing a tire size for performance and freedom on rough terrain, this dimension gives you a balanced profile without sacrificing control. Selecting all-season tires can enhance your vehicle’s versatility in varying conditions. You can rely on the measurement to verify fitment, compare alternatives, and avoid guesswork. For liberation through mobility, knowing the height lets you choose with confidence.

315/70R17 Tire Width, Sidewall, and Rim Size

The 315/70R17 tire has a width of 315 mm, or about 12.4 inches, giving you a wide contact patch for better traction and stability. In this tire size, the 70% aspect ratio means you get a sidewall height of 220.5 mm, or 8.68 inches. That sidewall adds compliance and helps the tire absorb impacts while keeping response controlled. The rim size is 17 inches in diameter, which sets the wheel interface and anchors the full dimension calculation. With two sidewalls plus the 17-inch wheel, the overall tire diameter reaches about 33.6 inches. These numbers matter because they define the geometry you’re working with, not guesswork. When you know the width, sidewall, and rim size, you can evaluate performance with precision and choose with confidence. In general, all-season tires like the Fullway HP108 provide reliable traction for mixed seasonal use.

Will a 315/70R17 Tire Fit Your Vehicle?

To determine whether a 315/70R17 fits your vehicle, you need to verify wheel well and suspension clearance against its 33.6-inch overall diameter and 12.4-inch section width. You should also compare the tire to your OEM size specifications so the new dimensions stay within acceptable tolerances. Finally, confirm the load rating matches your vehicle’s requirements, since fitment depends on both physical clearance and carrying capacity. Additionally, consider the tread life of the new tire to ensure it meets your driving needs.

Vehicle Clearance Checks

Before you install a 315/70R17 tire, check your wheel well and suspension travel because its 34.4-inch overall diameter and 12.4-inch section width can create clearance issues at full lock or under load. Measure Vehicle Clearance at the fender liner, control arms, and frame rails, then compare those numbers to the Tire Size in inches and millimeters. You need enough space for compression, steering angle, and wheel offset changes, or you’ll get rubbing and restricted articulation. If clearance is tight, consider alignment corrections or suspension adjustments to restore safe motion. Also verify load index and speed rating meet or exceed your vehicle specs, since fitment isn’t just physical. A precise fit keeps your setup free, functional, and controlled on-road and off-road.

OEM Size Match

A 315/70R17 tire measures about 34.4 inches tall and 12.4 inches wide, so it’ll only fit vehicles with wheel wells, suspension geometry, and body clearance designed for that footprint. You should check OEM specifications before you buy, because factory engineering sets the acceptable overall diameter for your platform. If your truck or SUV was built for a smaller or narrower tire, this size can create clearance conflicts and alter handling geometry. You’ll find this size most often on larger pickups and SUVs that already accept aggressive off-road dimensions. Match the OEM tire code, wheel width, and offset exactly when possible. That data tells you whether the tire belongs on your vehicle or whether you’ll need a different size to stay within design limits and keep control.

Fitment And Load Ratings

Whether a 315/70R17 fits your vehicle depends on both physical clearance and load capacity, since this tire measures about 33.6 inches tall and 12.4 inches wide. You need to check fitment against your suspension travel, wheel well space, and steering lock to prevent rubbing. This size suits pickups and SUVs that can absorb the extra diameter and section width. The 70% aspect ratio shapes the sidewall height, while the typical load index 121 supports up to 3,195 lbs per tire. That load ratings figure matters if you haul, tow, or run heavy gear. For certainty, compare your vehicle maker’s specs with the tire’s dimensions and load ratings before you buy.

Compare 315/70R17 to Similar Tire Sizes

balanced off road tire choice

Compared with a 275/70R17, a 315/70R17 tire is 40 mm wider and has a larger overall diameter, giving you more ground clearance, a broader contact patch, and better off-road stability. In Tire Size terms, 315/70R17 measures about 33.4 inches tall and 12.4 inches wide, so you get a serious footprint without going extreme. Its 70% aspect ratio gives you roughly 22.05 inches of sidewall, which helps absorb sharp impacts and keeps the ride controlled on rough terrain. Against a 35×12.50R17, 315/70R17 is a bit shorter, but the width is close enough that you still get a planted stance and strong traction. If you want to break free from narrow factory rubber, this size gives you a balanced path: more height than a 275/70R17, similar width to a 35×12.50R17, and a precise mix of stability, clearance, and handling for demanding use. Additionally, this tire size is compatible with various all-terrain tire options, enhancing its versatility for off-road adventures.

Best Trucks and SUVs for 315/70R17 Tires

If you’re shopping for a 315/70R17 setup, you’ll usually see it on heavy-duty trucks and full-size SUVs that can take advantage of its roughly 34.4-inch overall diameter, 315 mm tread width, and 17-inch wheel fitment. You should prioritize platforms with enough clearance and chassis strength, like the Ford F-250, Chevy Silverado 2500, and Toyota Tundra. These vehicles can better accept this Tire Size without compromising wheel compatibility or load support. The wide tread helps you command more traction, while the tall profile suits lifted suspensions and rugged terrain. If you’re building for freedom on dirt, rocks, or snow, this size fits the mission. You can also find aftermarket support for many 17-inch rims, which gives you flexible fitment options. A Tacoma can wear aggressive setups too, but 315/70R17 is generally a more natural match for heavier trucks and larger SUVs engineered for off-road duty. Additionally, selecting all-terrain tires can enhance off-road capability and boost your vehicle’s performance across various terrains.

How 315/70R17 Affects Performance

A 315/70R17 tire changes how your vehicle performs in measurable ways. Its 33.6-inch diameter raises ground clearance and sharpens approach angles, so you can move through rough terrain with less underbody contact. The 315 mm width, about 12.4 inches, increases the contact patch, which improves traction and lateral stability on dirt, gravel, and pavement. With a 70% aspect ratio, the sidewall flexes more, so you get better impact absorption and a smoother ride over broken surfaces. That tire size can also support fuel economy factory ratios when it matches the drivetrain’s intended load, because optimized rolling resistance reduces wasted energy in SUVs and pickup trucks. Radial construction helps dissipate heat, which keeps performance consistent during sustained highway speeds or heavy hauling. If you want a setup that balances control, comfort, and efficiency, this size delivers a clear mechanical advantage without sacrificing capability or driving confidence. Additionally, the right winter tires can further enhance traction and handling in cold weather conditions.

How to Check Tire Pressure and Wear

check tire pressure regularly

You can verify tire pressure with a cold, calibrated gauge, then run a chalk test by marking the tread and driving a short distance to see how the chalk wears off. Read the wear pattern across the tread: centered wear often points to overinflation, while edge wear usually indicates underinflation. Use those results to spot pressure issues early and keep the 315/70R17’s footprint and tread wear within spec. Regular tire rotations and inflation checks are also essential for maintaining optimal performance and longevity.

Chalk Test Method

The chalk test method is a simple, low-cost way to check tire pressure and tread wear by marking the tire with chalk and then examining how the mark wears during use. You apply Chalk Test stripes across the tread, drive a short distance, and inspect the residue. If chalk remains at the shoulders, your Pressure is likely low; if it disappears quickly from the center, you’re probably overinflated. This works on cars and motorcycles, and it gives you measurable feedback without special tools.

  • Mark tread evenly
  • Drive 50–100 feet
  • Compare wear across width
  • Adjust Pressure precisely
  • Repeat regularly for efficiency

Read Wear Patterns

When the chalk wears evenly across the tread, your tire pressure is likely correct; uneven wear patterns, by contrast, usually point to inflation or alignment issues. You should inspect Tread Wear Patterns on your 315/70R17, whose 33.6-inch height and 12.4-inch width create a broad contact patch. Use this quick readout:

Pattern Meaning
Even across tread Tire Pressure is close to spec
Center or edge bias Inflation or alignment is off
Faster outer wear Load or steering geometry needs review

Check wear regularly and compare it with the vehicle’s PSI specification, not guesswork. Proper inflation preserves traction, stabilizes handling, and limits fuel loss. Read the rubber, trust the data, and keep your machine working for you.

Spot Pressure Issues

Grab a tire pressure gauge and verify each tire against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended PSI; even a 315/70R17’s 33.6-inch height can’t compensate for under- or over-inflation. Compare Pressure readings cold, then note Ratios between left, right, front, and rear. Uneven numbers expose leaks, load bias, or setup errors.

  • Check PSI monthly
  • Mark tread with chalk
  • Inspect 1/16-inch wear limits
  • Rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles
  • Recheck after temperature swings

Use the chalk test to track contact patches; if one shoulder wears faster, you’re running wrong Pressure. Measure tread depth with a gauge, because 1/16 inch or less means replacement. Rotate tires on schedule to spread load, reduce drag, and keep your rig free from preventable wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are 315 70 17 the Same as 35 12.50 17?

No, you’re not looking at the same tire. In tire conversions and size comparisons, a 315/70R17 measures about 34.4 inches tall and 12.4 inches wide, while a 35×12.50R17 is about 35 inches tall and 12.5 inches wide. You’ll get nearly identical width, but the 35’s extra height changes fitment, gearing, and clearance. If you want precision, don’t treat them as interchangeable.

How Tall and Wide Is a 315 70 17 Tire?

You’re looking at a tire that’s about 34.4 inches tall and 12.4 inches wide. In metric terms, it measures 874 mm in overall diameter and 315 mm across the tread. These tire specifications give you a clear performance comparison for trucks and SUVs, where you need ground clearance, load support, and off-road traction. The 70% aspect ratio shapes the sidewall height, boosting ride compliance without sacrificing control.

Is a 315 Tire Equal to a 35?

Indeed, you can treat a 315 tire as a 35 in tire sizing, though metric conversion shows it’s closer to 34.4 inches in actual diameter. You’ll see enthusiasts call it a 35 for simplicity and fitment freedom, but the exact size varies by manufacturer and tread design. You should verify published specs before purchase, because small differences affect clearance, gearing, and performance.

Which Tire Is Taller, a 65 or 70?

A 70-series tire is taller than a 65-series tire. In tire measurements, the higher aspect ratio means you get a taller sidewall and more overall diameter, even when the width stays the same. In size comparisons, a 315/70R17 sits around 34.4 inches tall, while a 315/65R17 measures about 33.0 inches. You’ll gain more clearance, but you may trade some stability and sharper handling.

Conclusion

In short, a 315/70R17 tire measures about 34.4 inches tall, 12.4 inches wide, with a 9.8-inch sidewall and a 17-inch rim diameter. You can use these numbers to verify fitment, clearance, and gearing impact before you buy. If you’re comparing sizes, remember: measure twice, buy once. That simple check helps you avoid rubbing, speedometer error, and unnecessary wear while keeping your truck or SUV performing as intended.

Carter Hayes

Carter Hayes

Author

Carter Hayes is the founder and lead automotive editor of TubeTyre, an online resource focused on tyre reviews, buying guides, and practical automotive maintenance. With more than ten years of experience in the automotive field, Carter guides the site’s editorial strategy and review process. His work centers on making tyre and vehicle-care information easier for everyday drivers to understand, while maintaining a strong focus on testing standards and editorial trust.

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