235/75R15 vs 235/70R16

235/70R16 is 0.07 in (1.9 mm) taller than 235/75R15, a +0.26% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 235/75R15, an indicated 60 mph is 60.2 mph on 235/70R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +0.26%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 235/70R16 is a near match for 235/75R15; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 235/75R15 (28.88 in) vs 235/70R16 (28.95 in)235/75R1528.88 in × 9.25 in235/70R1628.95 in × 9.25 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
235/75R15 vs 235/70R16 differences
Measurement235/75R15235/70R16Difference% diff
Overall diameter28.88 in (733.5 mm)28.95 in (735.4 mm)+0.07 in (+1.9 mm)+0.26%
Sidewall height6.94 in (176.3 mm)6.48 in (164.5 mm)−0.46 in (−11.7 mm)−6.67%
Section width9.25 in (235.0 mm)9.25 in (235.0 mm)0.00 in (0.0 mm)0.00%
Circumference90.72 in (2,304.4 mm)90.96 in (2,310.3 mm)+0.24 in (+6.0 mm)+0.26%
Revolutions per mile698697−2−0.26%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 235/75R15
IndicatedActual on 235/75R15Actual on 235/70R16Difference
30 mph30.0 mph30.1 mph+0.1 mph
60 mph60.0 mph60.2 mph+0.2 mph
75 mph75.0 mph75.2 mph+0.2 mph

Ride-height change: 235/70R16 raises the vehicle by 0.04 in (0.9 mm) at the axle (half the +1.9 mm diameter difference).

235/70R16 is 0.07 in taller than 235/75R15 and the same width, a 0.26% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 235/75R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.2 mph on 235/70R16, and revolutions per mile change from 698 to 697.

235/70R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 235/75R15.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 235/75R15

Other comparisons with 235/70R16

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified . How these numbers are calculated.