TireSizesFinder

265/70R15 vs 255/65R16

255/65R16 is 0.56 in (14.1 mm) shorter than 265/70R15, a −1.88% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 265/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is 58.9 mph on 255/65R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −1.88%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 255/65R16 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 255/65R16 (29.05 in)265/70R1529.61 in × 10.43 in255/65R1629.05 in × 10.04 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
265/70R15 vs 255/65R16 differences
Measurement265/70R15255/65R16Difference% diff
Overall diameter29.61 in (752.0 mm)29.05 in (737.9 mm)−0.56 in (−14.1 mm)−1.88%
Sidewall height7.30 in (185.5 mm)6.53 in (165.8 mm)−0.78 in (−19.7 mm)−10.65%
Section width10.43 in (265.0 mm)10.04 in (255.0 mm)−0.39 in (−10.0 mm)−3.77%
Circumference93.01 in (2,362.5 mm)91.27 in (2,318.2 mm)−1.74 in (−44.3 mm)−1.88%
Revolutions per mile681694+13+1.91%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 265/70R15
IndicatedActual on 265/70R15Actual on 255/65R16Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.4 mph−0.6 mph
60 mph60.0 mph58.9 mph−1.1 mph
75 mph75.0 mph73.6 mph−1.4 mph

Ride-height change: 255/65R16 lowers the vehicle by 0.28 in (7.1 mm) at the axle (half the −14.1 mm diameter difference).

255/65R16 is 0.56 in shorter than 265/70R15 and 10 mm narrower, a 1.88% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 265/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 58.9 mph on 255/65R16, and revolutions per mile change from 681 to 694.

255/65R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 265/70R15.

Size pages

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