A BFGoodrich tire size chart is most useful when it helps you move beyond the number printed on a tire’s sidewall. Before ordering replacement tires, compare the listed section width, aspect ratio, wheel diameter, load index, speed symbol, and published overall dimensions with the tires approved for your vehicle. A tire that looks slightly wider or taller may alter clearance, load capability, speedometer readings, and driving behavior. Start with the tire placard on the driver’s door jamb and the owner’s manual, then use BFGoodrich’s specifications for the exact tire line and size you are considering.
Most BFGoodrich passenger, SUV, and light-truck tire sizes use the familiar metric format, such as 265/70R17 115S. Each part describes a different part of the tire, and the size chart may also list overall diameter, tread depth, approved rim-width range, maximum load, and maximum inflation pressure.
| Marking | Meaning | Why It Matters for Fitment |
|---|---|---|
| 265 | Nominal section width in millimeters | A wider tire can approach suspension, steering, and fender-liner components. |
| 70 | Aspect ratio; sidewall height is 70% of section width | A larger aspect ratio generally creates a taller tire and more sidewall flex. |
| R | Radial construction | Standard construction for modern road vehicles; it does not indicate tire height. |
| 17 | Wheel diameter in inches | Must match the wheel exactly. |
| 115 | Load index | Indicates the tire’s load-carrying capacity at its specified maximum conditions. |
| S | Speed symbol | Part of the tire’s capability rating; replacement tires should meet vehicle requirements. |
The first number is not a guarantee of installed width. Actual mounted width can vary with the wheel width, tire construction, inflation pressure, and measuring method. That is why a BFGoodrich tire size chart should be used alongside the manufacturer’s detailed specifications rather than as a simple “same width equals same fit” tool.
A 265/70R17 tire has a nominal width of 265 millimeters. Its sidewall height is calculated as 265 multiplied by 0.70, or 185.5 millimeters. With two sidewalls plus a 17-inch wheel, the approximate unloaded overall diameter is 31.6 inches.
That calculation is helpful for comparison, but it is not the final fitment answer. Individual BFGoodrich tire models can have different published diameters, widths, weights, and approved rim-width ranges even where the sidewall size looks similar. Check the product specification for the specific all-terrain, highway, winter, or performance tire you intend to buy.
A properly used BFGoodrich tire size chart can help answer four purchase questions: Will the tire mount on the wheel? Is it close enough in diameter to avoid major calibration or clearance concerns? Does it meet the vehicle’s required load capacity? Is it appropriate for the way the vehicle is used?
The wheel diameter must match, but wheel width also deserves attention. Tire specification pages commonly provide an approved rim-width range and a measuring rim width. Installing a tire on a wheel outside the approved range can change its shape and may compromise handling, tread wear, or bead retention. A tire shop should verify wheel compatibility before installation.
Diameter affects more than appearance. A taller replacement tire travels farther per revolution, so the vehicle may be moving faster than the speedometer indicates. It can also contact the fender liner, splash guards, suspension, bodywork, or steering components, especially at full lock or during suspension compression.
A wider tire can create similar problems on the inside of the wheel well. Clearance needs to be checked with the wheels turned from lock to lock and with the suspension loaded, not only while the vehicle is parked straight ahead.
Never use a tire size change to reduce the vehicle’s required load capacity. The door-jamb placard identifies the original tire size and cold inflation pressure selected by the vehicle manufacturer. If the vehicle is used for passengers, cargo, towing, or work equipment, load capability is especially important.
Load index alone is not the whole story. Tire type, load range, inflation pressure, and the vehicle’s axle ratings also matter. For example, an LT tire may use a different sizing convention and inflation practice than a P-metric tire. Do not assume that a larger-looking LT tire automatically provides the right capacity or ride quality for a particular truck or SUV.
BFGoodrich tires may be offered in more than one sizing format, depending on the tire family and intended use. The markings are related, but they should not be treated as direct substitutes without comparing the published specifications.
| Size Format | Example Format | Common Use | What to Check Closely |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metric | 225/65R17 | Cars, crossovers, SUVs | Diameter, load index, rim-width range, placard requirements |
| P-Metric | P265/70R17 | Passenger-oriented SUVs and light trucks | Load capacity in passenger service and vehicle compatibility |
| LT-Metric | LT265/70R17 | Work-focused pickups and SUVs | Load range, pressure needs, weight, ride, and axle requirements |
| Flotation | 35x12.50R17 | Off-road and modified trucks | Actual diameter, section width, wheel width, clearance, and gearing effects |
Flotation sizing is often easier to visualize: the first number is an approximate overall diameter in inches, the second is an approximate section width, and the last number is wheel diameter. But “35-inch” tires are not identical across tire models. Compare the listed overall diameter and section width for the exact BFGoodrich tire rather than relying on the flotation label alone.
If you are replacing tires with the placard size, the process is usually straightforward: select a BFGoodrich tire available in that exact size and confirm that its load index and speed symbol meet the vehicle’s requirements. A size change requires more work.
The right size is usually the one that preserves the vehicle manufacturer’s intended capability while fitting the tire category you need. A highway-oriented replacement, an all-terrain option, and a winter tire can have different availability in the original size. Do not let a desired tread pattern push you into an unsuitable dimension.
| Driver Situation | Most Sensible Starting Point | Main Benefit | Verify Before Buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily-driven car or crossover | Original placard size | Preserves intended ride, clearance, and instrument accuracy | Load index, speed symbol, and tire category |
| Pickup used for cargo or towing | Placard size or professionally verified LT alternative | Helps retain needed capacity and stability | Axle ratings, inflation requirements, wheel rating, and ride trade-offs |
| SUV or truck used on unpaved roads | Original diameter or a verified near-stock alternative | Allows an all-terrain choice without unnecessary fitment risk | Full-lock and suspension-compression clearance |
| Modified truck seeking larger tires | Vehicle-specific professional fitment assessment | Addresses wheel offset, suspension changes, and body clearance together | Rubbing, braking, steering, calibration, and legal equipment requirements |
Keeping the original size is often the lower-risk choice for commuters and family vehicles. It makes tire replacement simpler, avoids avoidable clearance problems, and keeps the vehicle closer to its original calibration. A larger size may make sense for a modified vehicle or a specialized off-road setup, but it should be treated as a complete fitment project rather than a cosmetic upgrade.
Start with the tire placard on the driver-side door jamb and your owner’s manual. Then check the BFGoodrich product information for tires offered in that size. If the vehicle has non-original wheels or suspension modifications, have the setup measured before ordering.
It is generally best to use matching tire sizes on the same axle. On all-wheel-drive vehicles, differences in rolling diameter can be especially problematic. Consult the vehicle manufacturer’s guidance and a qualified tire professional before mixing sizes or replacing only one tire.
Not automatically. Traction depends on the tire compound, tread design, road surface, temperature, inflation pressure, and vehicle load as well as size. A wider tire may also increase the risk of rubbing, add weight, or change wet-road behavior.
P-metric tires are commonly used for passenger-oriented service, while LT tires are designed for light-truck applications and may be available with different load ranges and pressure requirements. The correct choice depends on the vehicle’s placard, axle ratings, intended cargo or towing use, and wheel compatibility.
There is no universal size change that is safe for every vehicle. Even a small diameter increase changes the relationship between tire revolutions and indicated speed, while clearance limits vary widely. Compare the exact published dimensions and ask a qualified installer whether recalibration is needed.
A BFGoodrich tire size chart is a decision tool, not a substitute for vehicle-specific fitment verification. Choose a tire that fits the wheel, clears the vehicle through its full range of motion, meets required load capability, and suits the vehicle’s intended use. If you are changing from the placard size, compare the exact BFGoodrich specifications with your owner’s manual and have a tire professional confirm the setup before purchase.