33-Inch vs. 285 Tire – Are They Really the Same?

You might have noticed that different countries use different units of measurement for tires. Like, some use inches, and others use meters. That’s probably why you’re wondering things like, “What’s the size of a 285 tire in inches?” or maybe, “Are 33-inch tires the same as 285?”

But fret not! In this article, we’ll tackle these questions head-on and give you the basics of tire sizes. Plus, we’ll throw in a nifty tire size calculator for both inch and millimeter measurements.

Are 33-inch Tires The Same As 285?

Yes. A 33-inch tire is basically the same as a 285 tire. But the 285 tires are a bit smaller in diameter than the 33-inch ones.

Let’s break it down. The “33” refers to the tire’s DIAMETER in inches, while the “285” represents the tire’s WIDTH in millimeters. 

Now, here’s the interesting part. Despite the different units of measurement, a 285 tire and a 33-inch tire end up being pretty much the same size. 

It’s kind of like how a foot and a meter measure length differently, but can still describe the same thing.

Just to give you an idea. A 33-inch tire is roughly equivalent to a 285/75/16 when you use metric units. 

Now, let’s tackle a math problem:

285 = tire’s width in millimeters

75 = the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the tire’s width

The height of the sidewall = 285 mm x 75% = 213.75 mm

But we need to convert that to inches, so we divide it by 25.4.

213.75 mm / 25.4 = 8.41″

Alright, so we add the total height of tire sidewalls to the size of the rim.

8.41″ x 2 (sidewalls) + 16″ (wheel) = 32.831″

Awesome job! Now we can answer the question, “What’s the size of a 285 tire in inches?”

A 285 tire is roughly 32.831 inches, almost hitting the 33-inch mark!

Measurement	285/75/16	33-inch
Diameters	32.8″ (883 mm)	33″
Widths	11.2″ (285 mm)	10″
Sidewalls	8.4″ (213 mm)	8.5″
Circumferences	103.1″ (2619 mm)	103.75″
Revs/Mile	615 (382 mm)	610.69

What other 285 mm tire sizes can fit a 33-inch diameter tire?

Here’s the deal: Generally, you can switch your tire as long as it’s only 3% different in diameter (or height) from the original one. But don’t take that as the gospel truth. It’s just a helpful tip.

Now, let’s cut to the chase. Here are some tire choices that work well with a width of 285 mm and a diameter of 33 inches:

By the way, you can also snag this data set using the tire calculator we give you later on in this article.

Can you swap out 285 tires for 33″ ones?

Absolutely! But here’s the deal – while they’re pretty darn close in size, they’re not an exact match. So, a few tweaks are in order:

Suspension lift kit: This nifty addition helps create extra space so your 33-inch tires won’t rub against the wheel wells. Plus, let’s be honest, it adds some serious rugged charm, especially if you’re into off-roading.

Wheel offsets: This is all about how far your wheels sit inside the wheel wells. Consider some backspacing, but don’t go overboard. You definitely don’t want your wheels sticking out of the fenders – that’s just asking for trouble on the road.

Fender trimming: If you’re not keen on major adjustments, a little snip here and there should do the trick. NEVER mess with the steel parts to avoid rust issues. 

Speedometer and odometer alignment: Bigger tires rotate less. So, your speedometer and odometer readings get thrown off. If you want to avoid getting a ticket for speeding, align that speedometer.

Alrighty, check it out! With just a few adjustments, you’ll be cruising with those 33-inch tires in style!

The Basics of Tire Size

Tire sizes are typically represented as a series of numbers and letters, such as 285/75R16. Each of these components conveys specific information about the tire.

Tire Width (in millimeters): The first number (285 in the example) represents the tire’s width in millimeters. 

Aspect Ratio (%): The second number, “75,” tells you the tire’s aspect ratio. It is the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the tire’s width. A higher aspect ratio means a taller sidewall.

Construction Type: The letter “R” in the example denotes that the tire is of radial construction, the most common type today.

Rim Diameter (in inches): The last number (16 in the example) specifies the size of the wheel or rim the tire is designed to fit.

For more information on the tire sidewall, please check out this ultimate guide: How to Read Your Tire Size Like a Pro.

Tire Size Calculator

Dealing with all the different tire size units can be a real pain. But don’t worry, there’s an easy solution – a tire size calculator!

All you need to do is punch in your current tire size or the size you’re aiming for, and the calculator will take care of the rest.

Boom! No more head-scratching or googling tire size charts.

Q&A

What is 285 70R17 in inches?

For the tire size 285/70R17:

• Tire Height (Diameter): 32.71″ (830.8 mm)
• Tread Width: 11.2″ (285 mm)
• Tire Circumference: 102.8″ (2,610 mm)
• Wheel Diameter: 17″ (431.8 mm)
• Sidewall Height: 7.85″ (199.5 mm)
• Rev/Mile: 616.6 
• Rev/Km: 383.1

What does 285 mean in tire size?

The “285” on a tire refers to the tire width or tread width in millimeters. So, if you see a “285” on your tire, that means the distance from one sidewall to the other is 285 mm, which is about 11.2 inches.

Is a 285 tire a 33 or 35?

A 285 tire is basically the same as a 33-inch tire. But the 285 tires are a bit smaller in diameter than the 33-inch ones. 

How much wider is a 285 tire than a 275?

A 285 tire is wider than a 275 tire by 10 millimeters, or just under half an inch.

275 means the tire’s width is 275mm.

285 means the tire’s width is 285mm. 

285 – 275 = 10mm

10mm / 25.4 = 0.39 inches

How tall is a 285 tire in inches?

285 is the width of the tire in millimeters. 

If you wanna figure out the sidewall height or the overall diameter of the tire, you need to know the aspect ratio and wheel size too. 

Check out these popular tire sizes that have a 285 width: