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Tire Size Calculator: What Size Tires Should You Get?
If you’re considering swapping out your tires for a different size (larger, smaller, or something with a different sidewall), the Les Schwab tire calculator is here for you. Input some numbers and we’ll help you compare tire sizes. That information can help you discover how different dimensions might impact your vehicle's performance, speedometer accuracy, or other issues.
How to Figure Out Tire Size
The Les Schwab tire size calculator converts metric measurements to inches. This helps easily compare the diameter, width, sidewall, circumference, and revolutions per mile. It will also tell you the difference in tire speed between your original and comparison tires. For example, a larger tire can cause your vehicle to travel at 60 miles per hour (MPH) when the odometer reads 55 MPH, which can be a nice way to meet highway patrol officers.
Shop Tires by Size
How to Use the Tire Size Calculator
To use the calculator, you’re going to need the information on your current tire’s sidewall and the information found on your vehicle door placard. That includes the width (the first number on your tire sidewall), the aspect ratio (the second number), and the wheel “inner” diameter (the third number). Next, enter the same information for the tires you’re considering adding to your vehicle.
What a Tire Size Calculator Can Help With
Once you’ve entered the width, aspect ratio, and inner diameter, you’ll get some tire specifications you can use to make an informed decision. Those include:
- The circumference of the tire
- The revolutions per mile
- Width of the tire
If any of those numbers are vastly different from your original tires, you might reconsider your choices. Or chat with the professionals at Les Schwab about options.
Important Considerations For Tire Sizing
Some of the most important concerns when adding tires that are larger or smaller than those that came with your vehicle include the load index, speed rating, and wheel clearance.
The load index is the fourth number on the sidewall of your tires. This indicates how much weight each tire can support when inflated to its maximum air pressure rating. It’s important that the load index meet or exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle.
The speed rating can be found on your tire sidewall. It’s the last letter in the series of numbers and letters. Use that letter with the speed rating chart to ensure the tires you want meet or exceed the speed rating set by the vehicle manufacturer.
The wheel clearance isn’t about weight or speed, but about whether or not the tires will fit in the wheel well. If they’re too large, they could scrape on the inside of the fender every time you make a turn. As a general rule, you want replacement tires that are within 3 percent of the diameter (height) measurement of the tires originally on your vehicle.
A Note on Accuracy
The Les Schwab tire size calculator is for general comparison purposes only. We don’t recommend that you base sizing or purchase decisions on the calculator alone, as actual tire dimensions can vary slightly from manufacturer specifications. These calculations do not account for all vehicle-specific factors. Stop by Les Schwab and we’ll help you find and fit new tires for your car.