235/75R16 vs 265/60R17

265/60R17 is 0.36 in (9.1 mm) shorter than 235/75R16, a −1.20% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 235/75R16, an indicated 60 mph is 59.3 mph on 265/60R17.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −1.20%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 265/60R17 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 235/75R16. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 235/75R16 (29.88 in) vs 265/60R17 (29.52 in)235/75R1629.88 in × 9.25 in265/60R1729.52 in × 10.43 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
235/75R16 vs 265/60R17 differences
Measurement235/75R16265/60R17Difference% diff
Overall diameter29.88 in (758.9 mm)29.52 in (749.8 mm)−0.36 in (−9.1 mm)−1.20%
Sidewall height6.94 in (176.3 mm)6.26 in (159.0 mm)−0.68 in (−17.2 mm)−9.79%
Section width9.25 in (235.0 mm)10.43 in (265.0 mm)+1.18 in (+30.0 mm)+12.77%
Circumference93.86 in (2,384.2 mm)92.74 in (2,355.6 mm)−1.13 in (−28.6 mm)−1.20%
Revolutions per mile675683+8+1.21%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 235/75R16
IndicatedActual on 235/75R16Actual on 265/60R17Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.6 mph−0.4 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.3 mph−0.7 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.1 mph−0.9 mph

Ride-height change: 265/60R17 lowers the vehicle by 0.18 in (4.6 mm) at the axle (half the −9.1 mm diameter difference).

265/60R17 is 0.36 in shorter than 235/75R16 and 30 mm wider, a 1.20% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 235/75R16, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.3 mph on 265/60R17, and revolutions per mile change from 675 to 683.

265/60R17 mounts on a 17-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 16-inch wheel of 235/75R16.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 235/75R16

Other comparisons with 265/60R17

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