Tyre height in metric
33 inch tyres
A "33 inch" tyre is about 33 inches tall overall. In metric sizes that means different widths and profiles on each rim size. Here are the sizes that come out at about 33 inches (tires sold as 33s), with exact heights.
33 inch metric sizes by rim
16-inch rims
| Size | Height (in) | Height (mm) | Width (in) | Sidewall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 305/70 R16 | 32.8 | 833 | 12.0 | 8.4 |
| 285/75 R16 | 32.8 | 834 | 11.2 | 8.4 |
| 255/85 R16 | 33.1 | 840 | 10.0 | 8.5 |
17-inch rims
| Size | Height (in) | Height (mm) | Width (in) | Sidewall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 285/70 R17 | 32.7 | 831 | 11.2 | 7.9 |
| 255/80 R17 | 33.1 | 840 | 10.0 | 8.0 |
18-inch rims
| Size | Height (in) | Height (mm) | Width (in) | Sidewall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 285/65 R18 | 32.6 | 828 | 11.2 | 7.3 |
| 265/70 R18 | 32.6 | 828 | 10.4 | 7.3 |
| 275/70 R18 | 33.2 | 842 | 10.8 | 7.6 |
20-inch rims
| Size | Height (in) | Height (mm) | Width (in) | Sidewall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 285/55 R20 | 32.3 | 822 | 11.2 | 6.2 |
| 265/60 R20 | 32.5 | 826 | 10.4 | 6.3 |
| 295/55 R20 | 32.8 | 833 | 11.6 | 6.4 |
| 275/60 R20 | 33.0 | 838 | 10.8 | 6.5 |
| 305/55 R20 | 33.2 | 844 | 12.0 | 6.6 |
22-inch rims
| Size | Height (in) | Height (mm) | Width (in) | Sidewall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 265/50 R22 | 32.4 | 824 | 10.4 | 5.2 |
| 305/45 R22 | 32.8 | 833 | 12.0 | 5.4 |
| 275/50 R22 | 32.8 | 834 | 10.8 | 5.4 |
24-inch rims
| Size | Height (in) | Height (mm) | Width (in) | Sidewall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 285/40 R24 | 33.0 | 838 | 11.2 | 4.5 |
26-inch rims
| Size | Height (in) | Height (mm) | Width (in) | Sidewall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 295/30 R26 | 33.0 | 837 | 11.6 | 3.5 |
Flotation sizes
Off-road tyres are often sold in inches: height × width R rim. These are the nearest metric matches.
| Flotation size | Height (in) | Width (in) | Nearest metric on the same rim |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33x12.50 R15 | 33.0 | 12.5 | – |
| 33x12.50 R16 | 33.0 | 12.5 | 255/85 R16 (33.1 in) |
| 33x12.50 R17 | 33.0 | 12.5 | 255/80 R17 (33.1 in) |
| 33x12.50 R18 | 33.0 | 12.5 | 275/70 R18 (33.2 in) |
| 33x11.50 R20 | 33.0 | 11.5 | 275/60 R20 (33.0 in) |
| 33x12.50 R20 | 33.0 | 12.5 | 275/60 R20 (33.0 in) |
| 33x12.50 R22 | 33.0 | 12.5 | 275/50 R22 (32.8 in) |
How the height is worked out
Sidewall height = width × profile ÷ 100, in millimetres. Overall height = rim diameter in inches + two sidewalls ÷ 25.4. For example, 285/70R17: 285 × 0.70 = 199.5 mm per sidewall, so 17 + 2 × 7.85 = 32.7 inches, sold as a 33. These are nominal sizes; real tyres differ by model, tread depth and pressure.
Explained in our guides
- How to read a tyre size, load index and sidewall markingsDecode tyre width, aspect ratio, rim diameter, load and speed markings, then calculate sidewall height and diameter using a 225/45 R17 example.
- Plus-sizing wheels: tyre diameter and speedometer changesWork through a 17 to 18 inch wheel change, compare tyre diameters and speedometer effects, and understand why a 3% rule cannot approve fitment.
- Lifted truck wheel fitment: backspacing, 33s, 35s and trimmingPlan larger truck tyres around lift-kit requirements, backspacing, steering and articulation. Compare 33 and 35 inch tyres without assuming a lift guarantees clearance.
Questions
What is a 33 inch tyre in metric?
There isn't one size: it depends on the rim. On 16-inch rims, 305/70 R16 is 32.8 inches tall; On 17-inch rims, 285/70 R17 is 32.7 inches tall; On 18-inch rims, 285/65 R18 is 32.6 inches tall.
Is 285/70 R17 a 33 inch tyre?
Close. Its nominal height is 32.7 inches (831 mm), so it's usually sold and talked about as a 33. Real tyres vary by model and pressure, so check the maker's published diameter.
How wide is a 33 inch tyre?
Width varies by size. The metric sizes here run from 10.0 to 12.5 inches wide; the second number on a flotation size like 33x12.50 is the width in inches.
Will 33 inch tyres fit my car or truck?
That depends on wheel well space, wheel offset, suspension and steering lock. Compare the new height with your stock size; a bigger change usually needs more clearance, a lift or trimming, and moves the speedometer.