265/70R15 vs 225/75R16

225/75R16 is 0.32 in (8.1 mm) shorter than 265/70R15, a −1.08% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 265/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is 59.4 mph on 225/75R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −1.08%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 225/75R16 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 265/70R15. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 265/70R15 (29.61 in) vs 225/75R16 (29.29 in)265/70R1529.61 in × 10.43 in225/75R1629.29 in × 8.86 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
265/70R15 vs 225/75R16 differences
Measurement265/70R15225/75R16Difference% diff
Overall diameter29.61 in (752.0 mm)29.29 in (743.9 mm)−0.32 in (−8.1 mm)−1.08%
Sidewall height7.30 in (185.5 mm)6.64 in (168.8 mm)−0.66 in (−16.7 mm)−9.03%
Section width10.43 in (265.0 mm)8.86 in (225.0 mm)−1.57 in (−40.0 mm)−15.09%
Circumference93.01 in (2,362.5 mm)92.01 in (2,337.0 mm)−1.00 in (−25.4 mm)−1.08%
Revolutions per mile681689+7+1.09%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 265/70R15
IndicatedActual on 265/70R15Actual on 225/75R16Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.7 mph−0.3 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.4 mph−0.6 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.2 mph−0.8 mph

Ride-height change: 225/75R16 lowers the vehicle by 0.16 in (4.1 mm) at the axle (half the −8.1 mm diameter difference).

225/75R16 is 0.32 in shorter than 265/70R15 and 40 mm narrower, a 1.08% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 265/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.4 mph on 225/75R16, and revolutions per mile change from 681 to 689.

225/75R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 265/70R15.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 265/70R15

Other comparisons with 225/75R16

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