Tire Size Box

205/65R16 vs 205/70R16

205/70R16 compared with 205/65R16

+3.0% diameter, 0.0" width

205/70R16 is 27.30" tall vs 26.49". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.5"16" rim5.2"8.1" wide
205/65R16 (solid) compared with 205/70R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/70R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.8 mph

205/70R16 is +0.81 inches (+3.0%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/65R16205/70R16Difference%
Overall diameter26.49"27.30"+0.81"+3.0%
Section width8.07"8.07"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.25"5.65"+0.40"+7.7%
Circumference83.23"85.76"+2.54"+3.0%
Revolutions per mile761.3738.8−22.5−3.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/65R16 and you fit 205/70R16, 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 mph41.2 mph+1.2 mph
50 mph51.5 mph+1.5 mph
60 mph61.8 mph+1.8 mph
65 mph67.0 mph+2.0 mph
70 mph72.1 mph+2.1 mph
75 mph77.3 mph+2.3 mph
80 mph82.4 mph+2.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/65R16 or 205/70R16?
205/70R16 is taller by 0.81 inches (27.30" vs 26.49"). 205/65R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 205/65R16 with 205/70R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.0%, 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 205/70R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/70R16 fitted (calibrated for 205/65R16), your real speed is 61.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.0%.
Will 205/70R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.40 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons