TireSizesFinder

255/70R15 vs 235/70R16

235/70R16 is 0.10 in (2.6 mm) shorter than 255/70R15, a −0.35% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 255/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is 59.8 mph on 235/70R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.35%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 235/70R16 is a near match for 255/70R15; 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: 255/70R15 (29.06 in) vs 235/70R16 (28.95 in)255/70R1529.06 in × 10.04 in235/70R1628.95 in × 9.25 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
255/70R15 vs 235/70R16 differences
Measurement255/70R15235/70R16Difference% diff
Overall diameter29.06 in (738.0 mm)28.95 in (735.4 mm)−0.10 in (−2.6 mm)−0.35%
Sidewall height7.03 in (178.5 mm)6.48 in (164.5 mm)−0.55 in (−14.0 mm)−7.84%
Section width10.04 in (255.0 mm)9.25 in (235.0 mm)−0.79 in (−20.0 mm)−7.84%
Circumference91.28 in (2,318.5 mm)90.96 in (2,310.3 mm)−0.32 in (−8.2 mm)−0.35%
Revolutions per mile694697+2+0.35%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 255/70R15
IndicatedActual on 255/70R15Actual on 235/70R16Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.9 mph−0.1 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.8 mph−0.2 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.7 mph−0.3 mph

Ride-height change: 235/70R16 lowers the vehicle by 0.05 in (1.3 mm) at the axle (half the −2.6 mm diameter difference).

235/70R16 is 0.10 in shorter than 255/70R15 and 20 mm narrower, a 0.35% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 255/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.8 mph on 235/70R16, and revolutions per mile change from 694 to 697.

235/70R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 255/70R15.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 255/70R15

Other comparisons with 235/70R16

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