The 305/70R17 tire has an overall diameter of approximately 33.8 inches, a section width of roughly 12 inches, and is designed to be mounted on a 17-inch diameter rim. The equivalent tire size in the high flotation system is 33.8x12R17.
What does 305/70r17 Tire mean?
| Tire Number | Its Explanation |
| 305 | This is the tire width in millimeters, and yes, for our friends using the imperial system, we’ll convert this into inches shortly. |
| 70 | This is the aspect ratio and it’s a percentage. It means the height of the tire’s cross-section is 70% of its width. |
| r | Radial construction. In essence, it’s the tire design where layers of cord ply are arranged 90 degrees to the direction of travel, or ‘radially’ from the center. |
| 17 | This is the wheel diameter in inches. Here, our tire needs a 17-inch rim. |
What is 305/70r17 Tire in inches?
Now, let’s translate this metric party into good ol’ inches. Remember, friends don’t let friends do math alone. The width of 305mm equals about 12 inches. If you’re wondering how to get the height in inches, let’s go through this together: we need to take 70% (aspect ratio) of the width. And here comes the fun part, I promise it won’t hurt:
First, we need to convert our width back to millimeters. So, we have 305mm. Then, we take 70% of that, which gives us 213.5mm. Now let’s convert that to inches: 213.5mm equals roughly 8.4 inches.
So, the height of our 305/70r17 tire is approximately 8.4 inches.
Table for 305/70r17 in inches and Millimeters
Here’s the info all neatly bundled up. For those of you eager to double-check my math, keep your calculators at the ready. And for the rest, just trust me, I’m a computer.
| Measurement | Inches | Millimeters |
| Tire Diameter | ~33.7 | 855.4 |
| Section Width | ~12.0 | 305 |
| Rim Height | 17.0 | 431.8 |
| Sidewall Height | ~8.4 | 213.5 |
| Circumference | ~105.7 | 2686.4 |
| Revolutions per Mile | ~599 | ~372 |
For the tire diameter, we’ve essentially doubled the sidewall height and added the diameter of the rim. The circumference is calculated based on the tire diameter, and we used some additional calculations to figure out the revolutions per mile (which can be handy to know if you’re into that kind of thing).
Tire width of 305/70r17
You’ve got a generous 12-inch width on a 305/70r17 tire, translating from its metric measurement of 305 millimeters. That’s about as wide as an NFL football (end to end) or a regulation NBA basketball in diameter. It provides a wider footprint that can help with traction. So, whether you’re conquering the local mud bog, or pulling off the perfect parallel park on a steep city hill, that 12-inch tire width is your trusty ally.
Tire height of 305/70r17
Now, the height, or diameter, of our 305/70r17 is roughly 33.7 inches, equivalent to an adult male mountain bike. This height makes it an ideal choice for a variety of SUVs, light trucks, and some of the larger crossovers. Great for that elevated view of the road or the commanding presence in the mall parking lot. And let’s not forget – it’s also fantastic for avoiding the dreaded curb-rash on those shiny rims.
Sidewall height of 305/70r17
Sidewall height, the distance from rim to tread, clocks in at approximately 8.4 inches, which is about the length of a standard No. 2 pencil. This ample sidewall height provides a smooth ride as it absorbs impacts from road irregularities, like potholes and speed bumps. It’s like your tire’s personal shock absorber. Plus, it gives your vehicle a robust, aggressive look. Who doesn’t appreciate a bit of tire intimidation?
Rim diameter for 305/70r17
When it comes to the rim, our tire craves a 17-inch diameter one, about the size of an extra-large pizza. That’s a mouthwatering size, right? The rim size contributes significantly to the overall driveability of the vehicle. A 17-inch rim gives you a perfect balance between ride comfort (thank the high sidewall) and high-speed stability (courtesy of the wide tread). A balance as harmonious as pineapple on pizza (for some of us!).
Tire circumference of 305/70r17
Our 305/70r17 tire boasts a circumference of about 105.7 inches (or roughly 2686.4mm). That’s approximately the height of two Danny DeVitos! (Fun fact, huh?) This measurement matters when it comes to tire rotations and overall distance covered.
Just remember – the circumference of your tire affects your odometer and speedometer. So, while a larger circumference may make it seem like you’re covering ground like a gazelle, your speedometer might be telling you a slightly different story. Always make sure to recalibrate these systems when changing tire sizes.
What are the best 305/70r17 tires?
Choosing the right tire isn’t just about measurements. You need to consider the ride quality, road noise, and how well they handle in various conditions. So, let’s jump into the top three 305/70r17 tires that promise to leave others in the dust.
1 – Crosswind M/T Mud Off-Road Light Truck Radial Tire-LT305/70R17 305/70-17
With a name like Crosswind M/T, this tire screams ‘bring on the mud.’ It’s specifically designed for light trucks and SUVs that aren’t afraid to get a little dirty. This tire offers excellent traction, even in the most demanding off-road conditions. It’s like the Indiana Jones of tires, it loves an adventure.
Key Features:
- Aggressive tread design for excellent traction and performance
- Enhanced stability in all weather conditions
- Ideal for off-road and mud terrain
Pros:
- Great price-to-performance ratio
- Good handling in both dry and wet conditions
- Ideal for off-roading
Cons:
- Might be a bit noisy on highways
- Not the best for snow and ice
Final Recommendation: The Crosswind M/T is perfect for the off-road enthusiast looking for a tire that performs exceptionally well in mud and rough terrain, without draining the bank account.
2 – NITTO Ridge Grappler All_Season Radial Tire-LT305/70R17
The NITTO Ridge Grappler is the Jack-of-all-trades in the tire world. It has the heart of an off-road tire and the manners of a highway tire. Its unique hybrid design delivers the best of both worlds – aggressive looks and a quiet, comfortable ride.
Key Features:
- Hybrid tread pattern for off-road durability and on-road comfort
- Reinforced block foundation for reduced tread flex
- Variable pitch tread to reduce road noise
Pros:
- Versatile – performs well both off-road and on the highway
- Quieter than most off-road tires
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than some competitors
- In heavy mud, performance may be lesser than specialized mud tires
Final Recommendation: The NITTO Ridge Grappler is perfect for those who need a tire that can confidently transition between off-roading adventures and daily highway commutes.
3 – Nitto LT305/70R17/10 125/122R NITTO RECON GRAPPLER A/T
The Nitto Recon Grappler A/T is the Swiss Army knife of tires – ready for anything, anywhere, anytime. This all-terrain tire offers balanced performance for those who enjoy both daily driving and weekend adventures. It’s like the James Bond of tires, suave on the streets, but ready for action when needed.
Key Features:
- High-density sipe arrangement for improved wet performance and winter traction
- Tread pattern designed to reduce road noise
- Reinforced shoulder groove for improved off-road performance
Pros:
- Superior handling in various conditions, including light snow
- Quiet and comfortable for daily driving
- Aggressive tread for off-roading
Cons:
- May not perform as well in heavy mud compared to specialized mud tires
- Tends to be on the higher end of the price spectrum
Final Recommendation: The Nitto Recon Grappler A/T is perfect for drivers seeking a tire that can provide a smooth, quiet ride during the workweek, yet doesn’t shy away from weekend escapades on challenging trails.
Comparison with Similar Tires
Comparing tire sizes can feel like comparing apples to, well, slightly differently sized apples. But worry not, your tire size sensei is here to guide you through the maze.
305/70r17 vs 285/70r17
Comparing the 305/70r17 to the 285/70r17 is a bit like comparing a heavyweight boxer to a middleweight. The 305/70r17 is wider, offers more ground contact, and thus improved traction. The 285/70r17 is narrower, potentially offering better fuel economy and a slightly smoother ride.
305/70r17 vs 315/70r17
Think of the 305/70r17 and 315/70r17 as siblings. The 315/70r17 is the bigger sibling, providing a wider contact patch and a slightly taller sidewall. The 305/70r17 is slightly smaller, but that may mean slightly better gas mileage.
305/70r17 vs 295/70r17
This is like choosing between an extra-large and a large pizza. The 305/70r17 is wider than the 295/70r17, offering better traction. The 295/70r17, being a bit smaller, might offer a smoother ride and marginally better fuel efficiency.
305/70r17 vs 265/70r17
The 305/70r17 and 265/70r17 comparison is like a grizzly bear (305) vs a black bear (265). The 305 is wider and has a taller sidewall, providing better off-road capabilities. The 265 is narrower, potentially providing better fuel efficiency and better performance on icy or slick roads.
305/70r17 vs 285/75r17
Here the 285/75r17 is the tall, skinny friend to the shorter, wider 305/70r17. While the 285/75r17 is narrower, it has a taller sidewall, which can make it better suited for off-roading. The 305/70r17 offers a larger contact patch for improved traction on dry pavement.
305/70r17 vs 33×12.50r17
This comparison is more straightforward, as the 305/70r17 equates to roughly a 33×12.5 in standard measurements. The two sizes are virtually identical, offering the same benefits of a wide footprint and tall sidewall.
305/70r17 vs 35×12.50r17
Comparing the 305/70r17 and the 35×12.50r17 is like comparing a basketball player to a football player. Both are wide, but the 35×12.50r17 is taller, offering a higher clearance for off-road use. The 305/70r17 is shorter, providing a potentially smoother ride on the pavement.
305/70r17 vs 285/75r16
The 305/70r17 and 285/75r16 are similar in terms of width, but the 305/70r17 has a larger rim size, which can offer better handling and a smoother ride on highways.
305/70r17 vs 295/70r18
Here, the 305/70r17 is wider than the 295/70r18, but the latter has a larger rim size. This could mean the 295/70r18 offers better handling at higher speeds, but the 305/70r17 might be more comfortable for daily driving.
305/70r17 vs 295/75r16
The 305/70r17 is wider than the 295/75r16, but the latter is taller due to the higher aspect ratio. This could mean better off-road capabilities for the 295/75r16, but better dry pavement traction for the 305/70r17.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tire size involves balancing your needs for traction, comfort, fuel efficiency, and off-road capabilities. As you’ve seen, the 305/70r17 offers a strong balance of these features. Still, depending on your specific needs, you might prefer a slightly different size.
Whether you’re a hardcore off-roader or a daily commuter, remember – the right tire is the one that best suits your driving style and vehicle. Now, go forth and find your perfect tire match. Happy motoring!
AR Jeet has been a tire mechanic for over 2years. He has worked on all types of vehicles, from cars and trucks to RVs and ATVs and motorcycles. He has seen it all when it comes to tires, and he knows how to fix them.
AR Jeet is a tire expert, and he is passionate about his work. He loves to help people keep their vehicles running smoothly, and he is always happy to answer any questions that people have about their tires.
If you need help with your tires, or if you just want to learn more about them, then AR Jeet is the man to talk to. He will be happy to help you out, and he will make sure that you get the best possible solution.
He has a blog [Tirespick.com] where he writes about all things tire-related, and he is always happy to help people with their tire needs. Know more about AR Jeet.