155/90R17 Tire Size

All You Need to Know About 155/90R17 Tires

The 155/90R17 tire is a tall-profile temporary spare configuration intended to maintain vehicle mobility while minimizing the rotational gap between the spare and standard tires.

The 155/90R17 size corresponds to a 155 mm section width, a 90% aspect ratio, and a 17-inch wheel, producing an overall diameter of ≈ 28.0" and a sidewall height of ≈ 5.49".

The increased aspect ratio of 155/90R17 size significantly raises the tire’s height compared to 155/80R17 and 155/70R17. As a result, the 155/90R17 aligns more closely with many factory-installed tire diameters, reducing the disparity in rolling distance per revolution.

This makes 155/90R17 tires one of the closest-matching spare formats within the 155-width category, prioritizing diameter alignment rather than compact storage.

155/90R17 Key Specifications

• Approved rim width range: 4.0–5.0"
• Typical operating pressure: ≈60 PSI
• Overall diameter: ≈ 28.0"
• Section width: 155 mm
• Sidewall height: 139.50 mm 
• Wheel compatibility: 17-inch spare applications

Note: The calculated diameter is  ≈ 28.0" inches. Real-world mounted measurements can vary slightly (≈ ±0.1–0.2") depending on construction differences.

155/90R17 Measurements in Inches

The 155/90R17 tire is approximately 6.10 inches wide, with a total height close to 28.0 inches, and a sidewall measuring about 5.49 inches.

At this diameter, the rolling circumference of the 155/90R17 tire is ≈87.90 inches, which defines how far the vehicle travels with each wheel rotation.

155/90R17 in Inches: All Measurements

• Overall diameter: ≈ 28.0"
• Width: ≈ 6.1"
• Sidewall height: 5.49" 
• Wheel diameter: 17"
• Circumference: ≈ 87.9"

155/90R17 Rolling Difference Compared to Standard 17-Inch Tires

With a circumference of ≈87.9 inches, the 155/90R17 sits toward the upper end of common 17-inch tire diameters, which typically range from ≈79 to 90 inches.

Depending on the original tire size, the difference per revolution is approximately −8.9 to +2.1 inches, or about ≈10.1% smaller to ≈2.4% larger.

This distribution shows that 155/90R17 more often runs larger than standard passenger car tires, while remaining closer to larger crossover and SUV fitments. The 155/90R17 size reduces mismatch compared to smaller spares, but does not eliminate it.

Axle Placement for 155/90R17 Spare

The 155/90R17 should be positioned on a non-driven axle whenever conditions allow.

• For front-wheel-drive vehicles, install the 155/90R17 tire on the rear axle
• For rear-wheel-drive vehicles, install te 155/90R17 on the front axle

Even with the 155/90R17 tires’ larger diameter, differences in rotational speed remain. When installed on a drive axle, the drivetrain must continuously compensate through the differential.

Using the 155/90R17 spare on the non-driven axle limits this compensation and reduces unnecessary mechanical strain.

Inflation Requirements and Structural Behavior

A 155/90R17 temporary spare is typically designed to operate at approximately 60 PSI.

Although the taller 155/90R17 tire sidewall increases air volume, the tire’s ability to support load depends primarily on maintaining this pressure level.

A 155/90R17 running below its specified 60 PSI pressure cannot control sidewall flex during rotation. The excess movement generates heat internally, breaking down the tire's structure faster than normal operating conditions allow.

Correct 155/90R17 inflation is what holds the tire together during temporary use - without it, structural failure becomes a real risk.

155/90R17 Spare vs Lower-Profile Spares

Compared to the 155/80R17, the 155/90R17 adds 15.5 mm of sidewall height and increases overall diameter by ≈1.22 inches (≈4.6%). 

Against the lower-profile 155/70R17, the 155/90R17 diameter advantage grows to over 2.4 inches. Both differences push the 155/90R17's rolling circumference meaningfully closer to OE values, reducing the correction effort required from the drivetrain during temporary use. 

The trade-off of 155/90R17 tires is physical size - the larger volume demands more storage space than shorter spare formats. The defining characteristic of the 155/90R17 is therefore diameter proximity to standard tires, not compactness.

Most Recommended 155/90R17 Tires

Best tires in 155/90R17 size include: Kumho T131 Spare