Tire Size Box

225/65R16 vs 225/70R16

225/70R16 compared with 225/65R16

+3.2% diameter, 0.0" width

225/70R16 is 28.40" tall vs 27.52". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.5"16" rim5.8"8.9" wide
225/65R16 (solid) compared with 225/70R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 225/70R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.9 mph

225/70R16 is +0.89 inches (+3.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

225/65R16225/70R16Difference%
Overall diameter27.52"28.40"+0.89"+3.2%
Section width8.86"8.86"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.76"6.20"+0.44"+7.7%
Circumference86.44"89.23"+2.78"+3.2%
Revolutions per mile733.0710.1−22.9−3.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 225/65R16 and you fit 225/70R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.6 mph+0.6 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.6 mph+1.6 mph
60 mph61.9 mph+1.9 mph
65 mph67.1 mph+2.1 mph
70 mph72.3 mph+2.3 mph
75 mph77.4 mph+2.4 mph
80 mph82.6 mph+2.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 225/65R16 or 225/70R16?
225/70R16 is taller by 0.89 inches (28.40" vs 27.52"). 225/65R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 225/65R16 with 225/70R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.2%, 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 225/70R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/70R16 fitted (calibrated for 225/65R16), your real speed is 61.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.2%.
Will 225/70R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.44 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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