245/70R16 vs 265/70R16 at a glance
| Measure | 245/70R16 (current) | 265/70R16 (new) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall height | 29.50 in | 30.61 in | +1.10 in (+3.74%) |
| Width | 9.65 in (245 mm) | 10.43 in (265 mm) | +20 mm |
| Sidewall | 6.75 in | 7.30 in | +0.55 in |
| Wheel | 16 in | 16 in | +0 in |
| Circumference | 92.7 in | 96.2 in | +3.5 in |
| Revs per mile | 683.6 | 659.0 | −24.6 |
Verdict: check clearance and speedometer
Over 3% and up to 5%: worth checking clearance, the speedometer and gearing before you buy. Going from 245/70R16 to 265/70R16 is a 3.7% increase in overall height (+1.10 in), and the vehicle sits about 0.55 in higher. The tire is 20 mm wider. The 3% rule of thumb comes from Discount Tire and 1010tires; it is not a guarantee of fit.
True speed and odometer
| Speedometer shows | You are really doing | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 35 mph | 36.3 mph | +1.3 mph |
| 45 mph | 46.7 mph | +1.7 mph |
| 55 mph | 57.1 mph | +2.1 mph |
| 60 mph | 62.2 mph | +2.2 mph |
| 65 mph | 67.4 mph | +2.4 mph |
| 70 mph | 72.6 mph | +2.6 mph |
| 75 mph | 77.8 mph | +2.8 mph |
Odometer: 1,000 indicated miles is 1,037 real miles, and 10,000 is 10,374.
The math
245/70R16: 16 + 2 × (245 × 70% ÷ 25.4) = 29.50 in. 265/70R16: 16 + 2 × (265 × 70% ÷ 25.4) = 30.61 in. Change = 30.61 ÷ 29.50 − 1 = +3.74%. True speed at 60 = 60 × 30.61 ÷ 29.50 = 62.24 mph.
Check next
- Regear and RPM at cruise for this swap
- Speedometer and odometer correction
- Other sizes within ±3% of 245/70R16
Calculated from the size alone. Real tires vary a little by brand and model, and the loaded radius is a bit smaller. Confirm the wheel width range, clearance, load index and speed rating for your vehicle. See how to read a tire size, the load index chart and the speed rating chart.
Size pages: 245/70R16 · 265/70R16. More swaps: all tire size comparisons.