285/40R17 Tire Size

All You Need to Know About 285/40R17 Tires

285/40R17 tires are 285 mm wide, with a 40% aspect ratio and a 17-inch wheel diameter, producing an overall diameter of 26.0 inches and a sidewall height of 4.5 inches.

The 285/40R17 belongs to the ultra-high performance segment of 17-inch fitments. Its 40-series profile keeps sidewall height to a minimum - under 4.5 inches - while the 285mm section width provides a wide contact patch that supports substantial lateral forces. The result is a tire configured for vehicles where steering sharpness and traction capacity take precedence over ride compliance.

Compared to the 275/40R17, the 285/40R17 adds 10mm of section width while changing overall diameter by only ≈0.32 inches (≈1.2%) - a difference that stays within the ±3% compatibility window. This makes the 285 a common rear-axle selection on staggered setups where the front runs a 275/40R17, as the width increase expands rear grip without creating a meaningful diameter mismatch.

285/40R17 Size Quick Specs

• Approved rim width range: 9.5-11.0"
• Width: 285 mm
• Sidewall height: 114.0 mm
• Overall diameter: 26.0"
• Wheel diameter: 17 in

Note: The calculated overall diameter of 285/40R17 is ≈26.0 inches. Actual measured diameter varies by brand and tread pattern. Wide-rim fitment within the 9.5-11.0" approved range also widens the measured section width. Learn more about Rim Width Ranges and Limits.

285/40R17 Common Vehicle Fitment

285/40R17 has limited OEM coverage in the U.S. market, appearing primarily on high-performance and specialty vehicles from the early-to-mid 1990s. U.S.-market applications include:

• Chevrolet Corvette (1993-1996, rear)
• GMC Syclone (1991–1992)
• GMC Typhoon (1992–1993)

These fitments are configuration-specific and associated with high-output vehicles where the wide rear tire was integral to the performance package. Replacements must maintain the original load index and speed rating to preserve the vehicle's braking and handling calibration.

285/40R17 Dimensions in Inches

The 285/40R17 tire size measures approximately 11.2 inches in width, 26.0 inches in overall diameter, and has a sidewall height of about 4.5 inches.

The core characteristic of 285/40R17 is the very short sidewall at this section width. A 4.5-inch sidewall on an 11.2-inch-wide tire produces an extremely rigid casing edge, minimizing lateral deflection under cornering loads. This means the steering response is direct and load transitions are communicated through the chassis with minimal delay - the defining attribute of ultra-high performance tires on purpose-built sports cars and performance SUV variants.

285/40R17 in Inches: All Measurements

• Overall diameter: ≈26.0"
• Width: 11.2"
• Sidewall height: 4.5"
• Wheel diameter: 17"
• Circumference: ≈81.6"

Most Recommended 285/40R17 Tires

Best tires in 285/40R17 size include:

• 285/40R17 ultra-high performance summer tires:
• All-season performance tires 285/40R17:
• Track-day tires 285/40R17:
• 285/40R17 set of 4:

Comparison of 285/40R17 With Similar Tire Sizes

285/40R17 sits between the 275/40R17 as the narrower baseline and the 285/45R17 as the taller alternative in the same width. These are the most relevant comparisons for anyone evaluating alternatives or compatible replacements.

Difference Between 285/40R17 and 285/45R17 Tire Sizes

The 285/45R17 is taller while maintaining the same section width:

• Width: identical at 285 mm
• Overall diameter: 285/45R17 is ≈1.12 inches (≈4.3%) larger than 285/40R17

This exceeds the ±3% interchangeability threshold. Moving to a 285/45R17 from 285/40R17 raises ride height noticeably and adds sidewall flex, shifting the tire's character away from the sharp response the 40-series was designed for. Wheel well clearance and gearing implications must also be evaluated before any such substitution.

Difference Between 285/40R17 and 275/40R17 Tire Sizes

The 275/40R17 is narrower and marginally smaller in diameter:

• Width: 275/40R17 is 10 mm narrower
• Overall diameter: 275/40R17 is ≈0.32 inches (≈1.2%) smaller than 285/40R17

The diameter difference is well within the ±3% compatibility range, so 275/40R17 and 285/40R17 sizes are generally interchangeable in terms of rolling circumference. The meaningful distinction is contact width: the 275 trades 10mm of section for a slightly narrower footprint, which changes the traction balance on the driven axle.

Before making any switch from or to a 275/40R17 size, it is worth understanding how the 3% rule works in practice and what else to verify when changing tire size.