265/75R15 vs 255/70R16

255/70R16 is 0.59 in (15.1 mm) shorter than 265/75R15, a −1.94% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 265/75R15, an indicated 60 mph is 58.8 mph on 255/70R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −1.94%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 255/70R16 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 265/75R15. 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.

265/75R15 vs 255/70R16 differences
Measurement	265/75R15	255/70R16	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	30.65 in (778.5 mm)	30.06 in (763.4 mm)	−0.59 in (−15.1 mm)	−1.94%
Sidewall height	7.82 in (198.8 mm)	7.03 in (178.5 mm)	−0.80 in (−20.2 mm)	−10.19%
Section width	10.43 in (265.0 mm)	10.04 in (255.0 mm)	−0.39 in (−10.0 mm)	−3.77%
Circumference	96.29 in (2,445.7 mm)	94.42 in (2,398.3 mm)	−1.87 in (−47.4 mm)	−1.94%
Revolutions per mile	658	671	+13	+1.98%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 265/75R15
Indicated	Actual on 265/75R15	Actual on 255/70R16	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	29.4 mph	−0.6 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	58.8 mph	−1.2 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	73.5 mph	−1.5 mph

Ride-height change: 255/70R16 lowers the vehicle by 0.30 in (7.6 mm) at the axle (half the −15.1 mm diameter difference).

255/70R16 is 0.59 in shorter than 265/75R15 and 10 mm narrower, a 1.94% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 265/75R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 58.8 mph on 255/70R16, and revolutions per mile change from 658 to 671.

255/70R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 265/75R15.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 265/75R15

Other comparisons with 255/70R16

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