255/70R16 vs 265/70R16

265/70R16 is 0.6" taller than 255/70R16 (1.8%)

Diameter difference+1.83%diameter 30.06" → 30.61"
255/70R16265/70R16
255/70R16265/70R16Difference
Overall diameter30.06"30.61"+0.55"
Section width10.04"10.43"+0.39"
Sidewall height7.03"7.30"+0.28"
Circumference94.4"96.2"+1.7"
Revolutions per mile671659−12
Wheel diameter16"16"±0"

Speedometer

ShowsActualDiff
30 mph30.6 mph+0.6
45 mph45.8 mph+0.8
60 mph61.1 mph+1.1
70 mph71.3 mph+1.3
80 mph81.5 mph+1.5

Gear ratio to match

CurrentEquivalent
3.423.48
3.553.62
3.733.80
4.104.18

265/70R16 is 0.55" taller than 255/70R16, a +1.83% change in diameter, inside the 3% range most shops treat as a safe swap.

Ground clearance changes by 0.28" (half the diameter change), and the tire needs 0.28" more room above it.

265/70R16 is 0.39" wider. On the same wheel offset about half of that, 0.20", moves toward the suspension and half toward the fender.

Both fit a 16" wheel; the sidewall is 0.28" taller on 265/70R16.

Details: 255/70R16 in inches · 265/70R16 in inches · change sizes in the calculator

FAQ

What is the difference between 255/70R16 and 265/70R16?

265/70R16 is 0.55" taller (+1.83%) and 0.39" wider than 255/70R16.

Will 265/70R16 change my speedometer?

Yes, by +1.83%. When the speedometer shows 60 mph you would be going 61.1 mph.

Can I replace 255/70R16 with 265/70R16?

Often yes: the diameter change of +1.8% is within the common 3% guideline. Check the load index, speed rating and clearance.