Frequently Asked ATV/UTV Tire Size Questions

What is the most common ATV tire size?

Sport and recreational ATV's typically have tires with overall diameters of 20-25 inches. Utility ATV's and quads have tires with 24-35 inch diameters.

What are the most popular UTV tire sizes?

UTV's have tires that range in diameter from 25" to 35" inches.

How do you read ATV/UTV tire sizes?

ATV or UTV tires come in two sizing formats- standard or metric. Each format is easy to determine based on which numbers you see. Standard sizing is measured in inches and all the numbers will be in a two-digit format. Metric tire sizing used millimeters and inches. Metric tire sizing will have a three-digit (first number) and two-digit (other numbers) format.

Standard ATV/UTV Tire Sizing

First Number- overall height of the tire (inches)

Second Number- width of the tire (inches)

Third Number- diameter of the wheel (inches)

Example- "25x12-9"

  • "25"- overall height
  • "12"- width of the tire
  • "9"- diameter of the wheel

Metric ATV/UTV Tire Sizing

First Number- width of the tire (millimeters)

Second Number- the percentage of the first number that indicates sidewall height

Third Number- size of the wheel (inches)

Example- "205/80R12"

  • "205"- width of the tire
  • "80"- percentage of first number (80% of 205= 164mm). This tire would have a sidewall of 164mm or 6.4 inches.
  • "15"- diameter of the wheel
Can you change your ATV or UTV tire size?

Your ATV or UTV is calibrated for a certain size of tire. While this isn't set in stone, you can typically only increase your overall wheel and tire diameter by about 2 inches before you run into issues. Anything larger may require a lift kit or A-arms.

*Please note, any significant increase in tire size will decrease your torque and may put extra stress on your clutch.

How often should you replace your ATV or UTV tires

Obviously, the answer to this question depends significantly on how often you use your ATV or UTV.

More use = faster wear on your tires

As a rule of thumb, you should be able to get a few years out of your tires (2-3) before needing new ones. If you notice you are having to replace your tires more often than that, there may be other issues at play (alignment, poor quality tires, etc.)