265/75R16 vs 235/85R16

235/85R16 is 0.08 in (2.0 mm) taller than 265/75R16, a +0.25% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 265/75R16, an indicated 60 mph is 60.1 mph on 235/85R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +0.25%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 235/85R16 is a near match for 265/75R16; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. 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.

265/75R16 vs 235/85R16 differences
Measurement	265/75R16	235/85R16	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	31.65 in (803.9 mm)	31.73 in (805.9 mm)	+0.08 in (+2.0 mm)	+0.25%
Sidewall height	7.82 in (198.8 mm)	7.86 in (199.8 mm)	+0.04 in (+1.0 mm)	+0.50%
Section width	10.43 in (265.0 mm)	9.25 in (235.0 mm)	−1.18 in (−30.0 mm)	−11.32%
Circumference	99.43 in (2,525.5 mm)	99.68 in (2,531.8 mm)	+0.25 in (+6.3 mm)	+0.25%
Revolutions per mile	637	636	−2	−0.25%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 265/75R16
Indicated	Actual on 265/75R16	Actual on 235/85R16	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.1 mph	+0.1 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	60.1 mph	+0.1 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	75.2 mph	+0.2 mph

Ride-height change: 235/85R16 raises the vehicle by 0.04 in (1.0 mm) at the axle (half the +2.0 mm diameter difference).

235/85R16 is 0.08 in taller than 265/75R16 and 30 mm narrower, a 0.25% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 265/75R16, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.1 mph on 235/85R16, and revolutions per mile change from 637 to 636.

Both sizes mount on 16-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 265/75R16

Other comparisons with 235/85R16

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