Tire Size Box

205/60R16 vs 205/65R16

205/65R16 compared with 205/60R16

+3.1% diameter, 0.0" width

205/65R16 is 26.49" tall vs 25.69". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.7"16" rim4.8"8.1" wide
205/60R16 (solid) compared with 205/65R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/65R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.9 mph

205/65R16 is +0.81 inches (+3.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/60R16205/65R16Difference%
Overall diameter25.69"26.49"+0.81"+3.1%
Section width8.07"8.07"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.84"5.25"+0.40"+8.3%
Circumference80.69"83.23"+2.54"+3.1%
Revolutions per mile785.2761.3−23.9−3.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/60R16 and you fit 205/65R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.6 mph+0.6 mph
30 mph30.9 mph+0.9 mph
40 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.6 mph+1.6 mph
60 mph61.9 mph+1.9 mph
65 mph67.0 mph+2.0 mph
70 mph72.2 mph+2.2 mph
75 mph77.4 mph+2.4 mph
80 mph82.5 mph+2.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/60R16 or 205/65R16?
205/65R16 is taller by 0.81 inches (26.49" vs 25.69"). 205/60R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 205/60R16 with 205/65R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.1%, more than the 3% most shops and makers allow. It will throw off the speedometer and may affect ABS, stability control and clearance.
How much will 205/65R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/65R16 fitted (calibrated for 205/60R16), your real speed is 61.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.1%.
Will 205/65R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.40 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons