Tyre height in metric
34 inch tyres
A "34 inch" tyre is about 34 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 34 inches (tires sold as 34s), with exact heights.
34 inch metric sizes by rim
17-inch rims
| Size | Height (in) | Height (mm) | Width (in) | Sidewall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 285/75 R17 | 33.8 | 859 | 11.2 | 8.4 |
20-inch rims
| Size | Height (in) | Height (mm) | Width (in) | Sidewall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 285/60 R20 | 33.5 | 850 | 11.2 | 6.7 |
| 295/60 R20 | 33.9 | 862 | 11.6 | 7.0 |
| 275/65 R20 | 34.1 | 866 | 10.8 | 7.0 |
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 34 inch tyre in metric?
There isn't one size: it depends on the rim. On 17-inch rims, 285/75 R17 is 33.8 inches tall; On 20-inch rims, 285/60 R20 is 33.5 inches tall.
Is 285/60 R20 a 34 inch tyre?
Close. Its nominal height is 33.5 inches (850 mm), so it's usually sold and talked about as a 34. Real tyres vary by model and pressure, so check the maker's published diameter.
How wide is a 34 inch tyre?
Width varies by size. The metric sizes here run from 10.8 to 11.6 inches wide; the second number on a flotation size like 34x12.50 is the width in inches.
Will 34 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.