How Are UTV Tires Measured?
How Are UTV Tires Measured?

How Are UTV Tires Measured? – Ultimate Guide 2024

As I leaned over to measure my UTV tires, I ensured they were inflated to the maximum pressure, using a soft tape for precision.

Side by side tire measure

Selection of the right off-roading tires is very important for the vehicles. The right selection of tires increases the overall efficiency and performance of the vehicles. So, do You want to know How Are UTV Tires Measured?

To measure UTV tires properly, the tire should be inflated or mounted with the maximum operating pressure. The use of soft tape is best known for accurate measuring. The maximum operating pressure help in determining the accurate height of the tires.

  1. You should first focus on mounting and inflating the tire to maximum operating pressure.
  2. The weight of the UTV should never be on the tire.
  3. Avoid using hard tape.
  4. Divide the tires’ circumference by pi(3.14).

1.You Should First focus on Mounting and Inflating the Tire to Maximum Operating Pressure

This will help you in getting the maximum and accurate height of the tires. Generally, most UTV tires come under 7 to 8 psi. Some larger tires suit side by side of vehicles because they tend to acquire maximum operating pressure and loads. The tire height is only sized at the maximum operating pressure. It can be as high as 12-21 psi. The sidewall of the tires indicates maximum operating pressure.

2.The Weight of the UTV Should Never be on the Tire.

To determine the weight of the tire, the tire should be removed from the machine or should be removed from the jacked. In this case, the tire should never touch the ground. The reason is very simple: the weight of the machine could affect the amount of tire squat which can affect the measurement of tires.

3.Avoid Using Hard Tape.

Avoid using hard tape as it may result in the wrong measurement. Instead of hard tape use soft tape for measuring the circumference of the tire. Always consider the measurement of the tires from the centerline which is the highest point of the tread.

4.Divide the Tires’ Circumference by pi(3.14).

If you want to acquire the overall height of the tires in inches, divide the tires’ circumference by pi(3.14).

Keep reading the article completely to know more about How Are UTV Tires Measured?

This YouTube video helped me to choose the right tire for my UTV.

How Are UTV Tires Measured In Inches

How Are UTV Tires Measured In Inches

All Terrain Vehicles Tires Measurement

UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) tires are typically measured in inches, with three key dimensions being used:

  • Tire Diameter: This measurement represents the overall height of the tire from the ground to the top of the tire. It’s commonly written as “diameter x width x rim size,” where the diameter is given in inches.
  • Tire Width: The width of the tire, which is also measured in inches. It’s the distance from one side of the tire’s tread to the other.
  • Rim Size: This measurement indicates the diameter of the wheel or rim onto which the tire is mounted, and it’s also expressed in inches.

Measure UTV And Side By Side Tires

For example, a common UTV tire size might be 27×9-12, where 27 inches is the tire diameter, 9 inches is the tire width, and 12 inches is the rim size. These measurements help UTV owners select the right tires for their vehicles based on the terrain and performance requirements.

Mounting my UTV tires with care, I meticulously inflated them to their maximum pressure, then measured using a soft tape for accuracy.

UTV tires measurement

Will A 26x9x12 Tire Fit On An 25x8x12 Rim

  • A 26x9x12 tire will technically fit on a 25x8x12 rim, but it’s not recommended.
  • While the rim size (12 inches) matches, the tire width (26 inches) is significantly wider than the rim (25 inches). 

This can result in poor handling, reduced stability, and increased risk of damage to both the tire and the rim. It’s advisable to use a tire that matches the recommended rim width (in this case, a 26x9x12 tire with a 12-inch rim) for optimal performance, safety, and longevity of your UTV tires.

UTV Tire Size Comparison

UTV Tire Size Comparison

UTV And ATV Tires Dimension

  • When comparing UTV tire sizes, three main factors come into play: diameter, width, and rim size.
  • For example, a 26x9x12 tire is 26 inches in diameter, 9 inches wide, and fits a 12-inch rim.
  • Comparing it to a 27x10x14 tire, the latter is larger in diameter (27 inches), wider (10 inches), and designed for a 14-inch rim. 

Generally, larger tires offer more ground clearance and traction but may affect handling and require adjustments to suspension. Choosing the right size depends on your UTV’s specifications and intended use, like off-roading or trail riding.

ATV Tire Size Calculator

An ATV tire size calculator is a useful tool for determining the appropriate tire size for your ATV. It typically takes into account factors like the ATV’s make and model, desired tire diameter, width, and preferred rim size. By inputting these parameters, the calculator can suggest compatible tire sizes, ensuring proper fit and performance. 

These calculators are available online or as apps and help ATV enthusiasts make informed choices when upgrading or replacing their tires, optimizing performance, and handling for various riding conditions.

ATV Metric Tire Conversion

ATV Metric Tire Conversion

How To Measure Side By Side Tires?

Converting ATV tire sizes from metric measurements to standard inches can be essential for compatibility and comparison. Most metric ATV tire sizes are labeled with three numbers, like 25/8R12. In this example, 25 represents the tire diameter in inches, 8 is the tire width in inches, and 12 is the rim diameter in inches. 

To convert to inches, simply read the numbers as dimensions. So, a 25/8R12 tire is approximately 25 inches in diameter, 8 inches wide, and fits a 12-inch rim.

Inflating my UTV tires to their maximum pressure, I grabbed a soft tape to measure them, ensuring optimal performance for my off-roading adventures.

UTV tire measure

Putting Bigger Tires on ATV

Mounting larger tires on an ATV can increase ground clearance and traction. However, it may affect handling, require suspension adjustments, and put extra strain on the engine. Ensure compatibility and consider trade-offs for optimal performance.

ATV Tires

ATV tires are specially designed for off-road vehicles, offering varying tread patterns and sizes to suit different terrains. Selecting the right ATV tires is crucial for optimal performance and safety during off-road adventures.

ATV Rim Size Chart

An ATV rim size chart helps you choose the right rim diameter for your ATV tires. Common sizes include 8, 9, 10, 12, and 14 inches, matching various tire sizes and applications.

What Do The Sizes of UTV Tires Mean?

UTV tire sizes indicate three key dimensions: diameter (overall height in inches), width (tread width in inches), and rim size (diameter of the wheel the tire fits on in inches). These measurements help select tires suitable for specific UTV models and terrains.

What Does Tire Size 20×10 8 Mean?

The tire size “20×10-8” typically denotes a tire with a 20-inch diameter, 10-inch width, and designed to fit on an 8-inch rim. This size is commonly used for various small vehicles, including ATVs and lawn tractors.

What Does 25x10x12 Tire Size Mean?

The tire size “25x10x12” indicates a tire with a 25-inch diameter, 10-inch width, and designed to fit on a 12-inch rim. This size is often found on ATV and UTV tires and provides information about the tire’s dimensions for compatibility and selection.

With my UTV tires properly inflated and mounted, I reached for a soft tape, knowing that accurate measurements are key to performance on rough terrain.

Measure side by side tires

What Does 25x8x12 Mean?

The tire size “25x8x12” specifies a tire with a 25-inch diameter, 8-inch width, and designed to fit on a 12-inch rim. This sizing is commonly used for ATV and UTV tires, providing information about the tire’s dimensions for compatibility and selection.

Which Measurements are Necessary for Measuring UTV Tires Properly? Measure UTV And Side By Side Tires

Which Measurements are Necessary for Measuring UTV Tires Properly? Measure UTV And Side By Side Tires

The wide surface of the UTV tires prevents the vehicles from major road accidents. When I talk about the size of the UTV tires, generally a rear tire has a width of 10-11 inches while the front tire is 7 to 8 inches wide.

TiresFull NamePurpose
UTVUtility task vehiclesCarry heavy loads/passengers.
ATVAll-terrain vehiclesSingle-handed

A UTV tire is a well-fitted tire for your vehicles that has the high potential to acquire large surfaces and deliver an enjoyable driving experience. UTV tires stand for utility task vehicles.

It means if you are searching for a tire for a utility or heavy-weight vehicle to tackle large surface areas then UTV can be the perfect option for you. Generally, UTV tires are designed for heavier loads of vehicles or passenger vehicles.

However, the segment tires have two different sections ATV and UTV. From our point of view, you should understand the concept of both tires to select your needs easily. Generally, ATV tires are designed for middle-ground vehicles or single-person vehicles.

UTV tires are well prepared for tackling heavier loads and carrying them to their destination. The main important criteria of the UTV tires are it has a wide surface area and the ability to acquire a large surface area.

You must be wondering what I am going to deliver you to make your off-roading easier and full of fun. So, if you are an interested user make sure to follow the whole article. I will discuss more information about How Are UTV Tires Measured?

Carefully avoiding any weight on my UTV tires, I focused on inflating them to their maximum pressure before using a soft tape to measure for optimal performance.

Side by side tire measurement

What Methods are Employed While Measuring UTV Tires? How To Measure Side By Side Tires?

What Methods are Employed While Measuring UTV Tires? How To Measure Side By Side Tires?


One of the biggest fears and common questions of users is How Are UTV Tires Measured? The Internet has many contradictions in changing the tire of vehicles.

Here is a step by step guide for How Are UTV Tires Measured?

How Are UTV, Side By Side And ATV Tires Measured?

To measure UTV tires properly, the tire should be inflated or mounted with the maximum operating pressure. The use of soft tape is best known for accurate measuring. The maximum operating pressure help in determining the accurate height of the tires.

Measuring and changing your vehicle’s tires is not something that can be done by using steel tape placed up right to the tire. It is somewhat more than this and requires good knowledge.

This is what I am going to offer you in the complete guide. My guide will help you know how to easily measure the height and weight of UTV tires so they can easily fit in your vehicles without any hassle.

By rounding down the numbers you’ll whole numbers and in some cases, the tire height may be rounded to the nearest half.

Let’s Understand this with an Example: UTV And Side By Side Tires Measure 

Let’s Understand this with an Example: UTV And Side By Side Tires Measure 

Suppose the circumference of the tire is 90. So, when you will divide it by 3.14, you will get the overall measurement of tires in inches. In this case, the inches will be 29.

Now I will take another example which is the complete size of the UTV tire. Suppose you have a tire size of 25×8-12 in your hand and you are not clear about it. So, what to do let’s see.

Tire Size NumberWhat indicatesDescription
25HEIGHTThe mounted and inflated height of the tires
8WIDTHInflated width of tire to recommended air pressure
12DIAMETERThe total diameter of the mounted tires
How Are UTV Tires Measured?

I made sure to inflate my UTV tires to their maximum pressure, then measured with a soft tape, knowing that precision is essential for off-roading success.

Side by side tires measurements

What Does 25 Indicate? Measurement Of UTV, ATV And Side By Side Tires

The first number 25 indicates the overall height of an installed and inflated tire. The maximum tire pressure is up to the recommended. 25 is the height of the tire in inches.

What Does 8 Indicate? UTV And ATV Tires Dimension

The second number 8 describes the dimension of a tire which is the overall width of the UTV tires. This shows that the width of the inflated and installed tire is 8 inches.

What Does 12 Indicate? Utility Terrain Vehicles Tires Measured

The last number 12 indicates the total diameter of the rim or wheel in inches. This states that if your tire’s last number is 12, it can be easily fitted in 12 inches wheel diameter.

I always start by inflating my UTV tires to their maximum pressure, then use a soft tape to measure precisely, ensuring top-notch performance every time.

UTV side by side tires


This YouTube video helped me to measure the UTV tires. You can also watch this video.

Why Do UTVs Have Different Size Tyres? How Are UTV, Side By Side And ATV Tires Measured?

Why Do UTVs Have Different Size Tyres? How Are UTV, Side By Side And ATV Tires Measured?

When you go to select UTV tires for your vehicles then you get surprised by the different UTV tires size. This is quite natural for the manufacturers but for you, it may create problems. The complete reason for having different UTV tire sizes is highlighted below.

By researching a lot on the UTV tires we’ve come up with an idea that UTV has two different sets of tires. The first one is the front tires and the second one is the rear tires. Usually, front tires have a smaller size than the rear ones and help in easy grip and movement. Both models are designed to accommodate the size difference.
Being too realistic about the height and weight of the tire is one of the biggest differences. You must be wondering why UTVs make two different tire sizes.

Smaller Tires on the Front: UTV And ATV Tires Dimension

Having a smaller tire in the front of the vehicle makes it easier to steer. The front and side-by-side have less contact due to the smaller width size which makes steering easy and hassle-free.

The small width and less contact surface reduce the steering effort which results in taking an easy turn. If the tires don’t contact the surface closely it makes side-by-side movement easier.

Think about the science behind this concept. If one kind of stuff is tall and has less weight while the other one is short and fat, the tall one gets easier movement because of the less contact with the ground.

After mounting my UTV tires and inflating them to their maximum pressure, I reached for a soft tape, ready to measure accurately for peak performance.

ATV UTV tires measurement

Larger UTV Tires on the Back: Measurement Of UTV, ATV And Side By Side Tires

I think you are aware of the fact that UTV has large-width tires. The larger tires in the back of the vehicles have a higher tendency to create friction which provides a separate host of benefits.

It delivers more stability than the front tires and eliminates the case of slippage. The larger width UTV tires provide great control in the sharp corners. The more about larger UTV tires are.

It helps in good acceleration, hill climbing, and generating good torque.

I got many valuable information about Top UTV tires from this YouTube video.

Complete Guide to Read UTV Tires: Utility Terrain Vehicles Tires Measured

Complete Guide to Read UTV Tires: Utility Terrain Vehicles Tires Measured

Tire holds great importance. The only thing which may confuse you is selecting the best-fitted tires for your vehicles which is not an easy process. Users long surf the internet for size guidance. Are you also one of those who is looking for a complete guide on UTV tires?
Because of the diversity in the sizes, shapes, treads, and material, it gets very difficult to choose the right one. In fact, it is not easy for everyone to go through each UTV tire and then select the product.

So, to make your work easier we prepared a detailed analysis to read the UTV tires. The right UTV tire definitely improves handling, concerning, riding terrain, etc.

So, to make your selection process easier, here is the noticeable information. But before that let me clear you one thing. Reading a tire size is not a difficult task you just have to consider a few basic things.

The things are height, weight, installed height, inflated height at maximum pressure, etc. The diameter of the tires should be always mounted.

Inflating my UTV tires to their maximum pressure, I picked up a soft tape to measure them accurately, ensuring optimal performance on rugged terrain.

All terrain vehicle tires measure

UTV Standard Tire Size Table: UTV And ATV Tires Dimension

Getting the standard format of the UTV tires is common. You can see the numbers easily on the tires. When I come to the example of the UTV standard size, 26x10x12. These three numbers are used to sum the size of UTV tires.

Tires SizeWhat indicates?
26Height of tires in Inches
12Width of tires in inches
12Width of tires in inches

The first one is tire height in inches, the second one is tire width, and the last one describes the diameter of the mounted wheel.

Metric Tire Sizing Chart: UTV And Side By Side Tires Measure

The metric tire sizing chart in the UTVs is rarely found. You can’t see this matrix everywhere. However, exceptions are always there. When I talk about the matrix size chart has 3 numbers and a letter.

Aspect ratio(%)
Tire width in MM
A letter to cover the construction type
Diameter of the wheel


It is always recommended to check the manufactures guide for the height and width of the wheel and for what they are designed.

If the information is not visible always try to choose a wheel 2 inches narrower than the width of the tire.

If your mind is striking how necessary is changing a tire?

Changing tires improves the overall performance and you can easily notice an improvement in the new tires over the old ones. After spending lots of money on tires users expect the right selection.

With my UTV tires inflated to the max and no weight on them, I measured carefully with a soft tape, ensuring they were ready for any off-road challenge.

Utility vehicle tire measurement
I got many valuable insights about UTV, ATV titrs from this YouTube video.

Conclusion

It is recommended to use wider tires on the back of the vehicles, especially on utility vehicles. The wider UTV tire has the tendency to bring more friction and avoid the case of slippage. Knowing the right measurement of the tires helps in selecting the good fitting tires for the vehicles. I have provided a detailed explanation above on how are UTV tires measured? with real examples. Hope the information is useful.

Hope you got all the information related to How Are UTV Tires Measured? in this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

Go through our FAQs about How Are UTV Tires Measured? To solve any doubts.

Are ATV and UTV tires the same?

No, but ATV and UTV tires are almost similar but not the same. ATV tires are made for single-rider vehicles and don’t able to handle stronger loads. While UTV tires are made for heavy-load vehicles which have the ability to handle loads and carry multiple passengers.

How wide are UTV tires?

Generally, there are two different sizes of UTV tires the most common one is the rear one which has the capacity to carry heavy loads over long grips. A typical UTV comes with 10-11 inches while the size of the front tire is 7 to 8 inches.

How long do UTV tires last?

The average span of the UTV tires depends on the quality and the size of the tires you are purchasing. UTV has different quality tires depending upon the requirement. When I talk about the average life of UTV tires, it is up to 5 years or longer.



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About Bharat Suthar

I am an author and principal creator of OffRoadingUTV.com. I like riding UTV in mountains and Terrain, Also I try to share all the real life experience here in the site.I am really dedicated to write about my experience. I love doing all the outdoor activity including dirt biking and hiking

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