What's the Difference between Flotation and Metric tires?
Flotation tires are measured in inches while metric tires are measured in millimeters (except the wheel diameter, which is measured in inches in both cases). Most flotation tire sizes have a metric tire size equivalent. For example, a metric tire size of 265/75R-15 has a flotation tire size equivalent of 31x10.50R-15.
31 = 31 inches tall (Diameter)
10.50 = 10.5 inches wide (Tire Width)
15 = 15 inch wheel (Wheel diameter)
Here are some more examples of flotation tire sizes and the metric equivalent:
| Flotation Tire Conversion | |
|---|---|
| 14" Tire Sizes | |
| Flotation | Metric |
| 27x8.50R-14 | 215/75R-14 |
| 15" Tire Sizes | |
| Flotation | Metric |
| 26x7.50R-15 | 195/70R-15 |
| 27x8.50R-15 | 215/70R-15 |
| 30x9.50R-15 | 255/70R-15 |
| 31x10.50R-15 | 265/75R-15 |
| 17" Tire Sizes | |
| Flotation | Metric |
| 33x12.50R-17 | 315/70R-17 |
| 18" Tire Sizes | |
| Flotation | Metric |
| 33x12.50R-18 | 305/60R-18 |
| 35x11.50R-18 | 295/70R-18 |
| 35x12.50R-18 | 315/70R-18 |
| 20" Tire Sizes | |
| Flotation | Metric |
| 33x11.50R-20 | 285/60R-20 |
| 33x12.50R-20 | 305/55R-20 |
| 35x11.50R-20 | 295/65R-20 |
| 35x12.50R-20 | 315/60R-20 |
| 22" Tire Sizes | |
| Flotation | Metric |
| 33x12.50R-22 | 305/45R-22 |
If you have any questions about flotation tires or what tire might be the right option for you, please give us a call or stop by your local Discount Tire store.
