255/70R16 vs 265/70R16 at a glance
| Measure | 255/70R16 (current) | 265/70R16 (new) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall height | 30.06 in | 30.61 in | +0.55 in (+1.83%) |
| Width | 10.04 in (255 mm) | 10.43 in (265 mm) | +10 mm |
| Sidewall | 7.03 in | 7.30 in | +0.28 in |
| Wheel | 16 in | 16 in | +0 in |
| Circumference | 94.4 in | 96.2 in | +1.7 in |
| Revs per mile | 671.0 | 659.0 | −12.1 |
Verdict: close match
Within the 3% rule of thumb, so the speedometer, gearing and ride height change little. Going from 255/70R16 to 265/70R16 is a 1.8% increase in overall height (+0.55 in), and the vehicle sits about 0.28 in higher. The tire is 10 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 | 35.6 mph | +0.6 mph |
| 45 mph | 45.8 mph | +0.8 mph |
| 55 mph | 56.0 mph | +1.0 mph |
| 60 mph | 61.1 mph | +1.1 mph |
| 65 mph | 66.2 mph | +1.2 mph |
| 70 mph | 71.3 mph | +1.3 mph |
| 75 mph | 76.4 mph | +1.4 mph |
Odometer: 1,000 indicated miles is 1,018 real miles, and 10,000 is 10,183.
The math
255/70R16: 16 + 2 × (255 × 70% ÷ 25.4) = 30.06 in. 265/70R16: 16 + 2 × (265 × 70% ÷ 25.4) = 30.61 in. Change = 30.61 ÷ 30.06 − 1 = +1.83%. True speed at 60 = 60 × 30.61 ÷ 30.06 = 61.10 mph.
Check next
- Regear and RPM at cruise for this swap
- Speedometer and odometer correction
- Other sizes within ±3% of 255/70R16
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: 255/70R16 · 265/70R16. More swaps: all tire size comparisons.