265/70R16 vs 31x10.50R16

31x10.50R16 is 0.39 in (10.0 mm) taller than 265/70R16, a +1.29% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 265/70R16, an indicated 60 mph is 60.8 mph on 31x10.50R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +1.29%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 31x10.50R16 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 265/70R16. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.

265/70R16 vs 31x10.50R16 differences
Measurement	265/70R16	31x10.50R16	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	30.61 in (777.4 mm)	31.00 in (787.4 mm)	+0.39 in (+10.0 mm)	+1.29%
Sidewall height	7.30 in (185.5 mm)	7.50 in (190.5 mm)	+0.20 in (+5.0 mm)	+2.70%
Section width	10.43 in (265.0 mm)	10.50 in (266.7 mm)	+0.07 in (+1.7 mm)	+0.64%
Circumference	96.15 in (2,442.3 mm)	97.39 in (2,473.7 mm)	+1.24 in (+31.4 mm)	+1.29%
Revolutions per mile	659	651	−8	−1.27%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 265/70R16
Indicated	Actual on 265/70R16	Actual on 31x10.50R16	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.4 mph	+0.4 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	60.8 mph	+0.8 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	76.0 mph	+1.0 mph

Ride-height change: 31x10.50R16 raises the vehicle by 0.20 in (5.0 mm) at the axle (half the +10.0 mm diameter difference).

31x10.50R16 is 0.39 in taller than 265/70R16 and 2 mm wider, a 1.29% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 265/70R16, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.8 mph on 31x10.50R16, and revolutions per mile change from 659 to 651.

Both sizes mount on 16-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 265/70R16

Other comparisons with 31x10.50R16

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified 2026-09-27. How these numbers are calculated.