Tire Height Calculator

Tire height, or overall tire diameter, is a critical aspect of a vehicle's engineering that affects various dimensions of its performance, including speedometer accuracy, gearing ratios, and general handling characteristics. Our easy to use tire height calculator will help you determine the height or overall diameter of your tire in both inches and millimeters.

Get the height of any tire size by selecting tire size type and entering its specs. You can also browse the tire height chart.

Definition of Tire Height

Tire height, commonly referred to as overall tire diameter, is the total height of a tire when it is fully inflated, measured from the ground to the highest point of the tire. This measurement is crucial because it determines how much ground a tire covers in one complete rotation.

Impact on Vehicle Dynamics

• Speedometer Accuracy and Odometer Reading - the tire diameter directly affects how speedometers and odometers calculate the vehicle's speed and distance traveled. A change in tire height can lead to inaccurate readings since these devices are calibrated to the tire size specified by the vehicle's manufacturer
• Fuel Efficiency and Engine Performance - larger tires can decrease fuel efficiency because they often require more power to turn, especially in scenarios involving higher rolling resistance. Conversely, smaller tires might improve fuel efficiency but at the potential cost of reduced traction and stability
• Handling and Stability - tire height influences the vehicle's ground clearance which alters handling dynamics. Increased tire height can enhance off-road capability by providing more clearance and potentially improving ride quality over rough terrain. However, this can also raise the vehicle's center of gravity, which might decrease stability in turns.
• Braking Distance - changes in tire size affect braking distance. Larger tires may provide better grip and decrease braking distance on certain surfaces, but they can also add weight that might increase stopping distances.

Gearing and Performance

The gearing ratios of a vehicle are designed to accommodate a specific tire diameter. Altering the tire height without adjusting the gear ratios can lead to less optimal engine performance and increased strain on the drivetrain components.

• Higher Gears and Larger Tires - when larger tires are installed without corresponding changes in the gearbox, the vehicle might experience sluggish acceleration and higher fuel consumption.
• Lower Gears and Smaller Tires - conversely, smaller tires can result in higher engine RPMs at usual speeds, leading to more noise and potentially faster wear and tear.

Legal and Safety Considerations

It's essential to consider the legal implications and safety standards related to tire modifications. Many regions have specific regulations that limit changes in tire size to ensure vehicles remain safe and roadworthy.

Aesthetic and Practical Considerations

While some drivers might prefer larger tires for aesthetic reasons or specific performance attributes, it's crucial to balance these preferences with practical considerations. Oversized tires might require modifications to wheel wells or suspension systems, adding to the overall cost and complexity of upkeep.

Choosing the right tire height is more than a matter of aesthetics; it involves understanding the intricate balance between performance, safety, and legality. Vehicle owners should make informed decisions, ideally consulting with automotive professionals to ensure that any changes to tire dimensions do not adversely affect their driving experience or lead to unintended complications.

Tire Height Chart

Select tire size to see its specs, conversion, replacement options, pricing, wheel and vehicle fitment.

All listed guides, data and/or calculations are for informational purposes only. TireSizes.com does not warrant or make any representations regarding the accuracy of or the results of the use of this information.