255/85R16 vs 265/75R16

255/85R16 is 1.4" taller than 265/75R16 (4.3%)

Diameter difference−4.29%diameter 33.07" → 31.65"
255/85R16265/75R16
255/85R16265/75R16Difference
Overall diameter33.07"31.65"−1.42"
Section width10.04"10.43"+0.39"
Sidewall height8.53"7.82"−0.71"
Circumference103.9"99.4"−4.5"
Revolutions per mile610637+27
Wheel diameter16"16"±0"

Speedometer

ShowsActualDiff
30 mph28.7 mph−1.3
45 mph43.1 mph−1.9
60 mph57.4 mph−2.6
70 mph67.0 mph−3.0
80 mph76.6 mph−3.4

Gear ratio to match

CurrentEquivalent
3.423.27
3.553.40
3.733.57
4.103.92

265/75R16 is 1.42" shorter than 255/85R16, a −4.29% change in diameter. That is more than the 3% many tire shops use as a limit, so plan on recalibrating the speedometer and checking ABS and stability control.

Ground clearance changes by 0.71" (half the diameter change), and the tire needs 0.71" less room above it.

265/75R16 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 0.71" shorter on 265/75R16.

Details: 255/85R16 in inches · 265/75R16 in inches · change sizes in the calculator

FAQ

What is the difference between 255/85R16 and 265/75R16?

265/75R16 is 1.42" shorter (−4.29%) and 0.39" wider than 255/85R16.

Will 265/75R16 change my speedometer?

Yes, by −4.29%. When the speedometer shows 60 mph you would be going 57.4 mph.

Can I replace 255/85R16 with 265/75R16?

It is a −4.3% diameter change, larger than the common 3% guideline, so check clearance and plan to recalibrate.