Calculate nominal rear-minus-front tire diameter in inches, millimeters, or percent of the front diameter. This geometric comparison does not determine vehicle fitment or an acceptable drivetrain tolerance.

Nominal tire geometry only. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s approved sizes and tolerances; this does not approve fitment.

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Staggered Tire Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the stagger of tires (rear overall diameter minus front overall diameter):

S = (RW × RA / 100 × 2 / 25.4 + WDR) - (FW × FA / 100 × 2 / 25.4 + WDF)

Variables:

  • S is the stagger (inches)
  • RW is the rear tire width (mm)
  • RA is the rear aspect ratio (%)
  • WD_R is the rear wheel (rim) diameter (inches)
  • FW is the front tire width (mm)
  • FA is the front aspect ratio (%)
  • WD_F is the front wheel (rim) diameter (inches)

To calculate the stagger, subtract the front tire diameter from the rear tire diameter. Each tire’s overall diameter is calculated by multiplying the tire width by the aspect ratio divided by 100 (to get nominal sidewall height in mm), multiplying by 2 (top and bottom sidewalls), dividing by 25.4 (to convert from mm to inches), and finally adding the wheel (rim) diameter in inches.

What is Staggered Tire Configuration?

A staggered tire configuration is when the front and rear tires are different sizes—most commonly a wider rear tire than the front, and sometimes a different wheel diameter as well. Some vehicles specify staggered fitments from the factory. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s approved sizes and consult a qualified tire professional before changing them. In this calculator, “stagger” refers specifically to the difference in overall tire diameter between the rear and front tires.

How to Calculate Stagger?

The following steps outline how to calculate the stagger of tires:

  1. First, determine the rear tire width (RW) in millimeters.
  2. Next, determine the rear aspect ratio (RA) as a percentage.
  3. Then, determine the front tire width (FW) in millimeters.
  4. After that, determine the front aspect ratio (FA) as a percentage.
  5. Next, determine the rear wheel diameter (WD_R) and front wheel diameter (WD_F) in inches.
  6. Use the formula to calculate the stagger (S).
  7. Finally, compare the calculated stagger with the desired setup for your vehicle.

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Rear tire width (RW) = 275 mm

Rear aspect ratio (RA) = 35 %

Front tire width (FW) = 245 mm

Front aspect ratio (FA) = 40 %

Rear wheel diameter (WD_R) = 19 inches; Front wheel diameter (WD_F) = 19 inches