245/75R16 vs 265/75R16

265/75R16 compared with 245/75R16

+3.9% diameter, +0.8" width

265/75R16 is 31.65" tall vs 30.47". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

30.5"16" rim7.2"9.6" wide
245/75R16 (solid) compared with 265/75R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/75R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.3 mph

265/75R16 is +1.18 inches (+3.9%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

245/75R16265/75R16Difference%
Overall diameter30.47"31.65"+1.18"+3.9%
Section width9.65"10.43"+0.79"+8.2%
Sidewall height7.23"7.82"+0.59"+8.2%
Circumference95.72"99.43"+3.71"+3.9%
Revolutions per mile661.9637.2−24.7−3.7%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 245/75R16 and you fit 265/75R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.8 mph+0.8 mph
30 mph31.2 mph+1.2 mph
40 mph41.6 mph+1.6 mph
50 mph51.9 mph+1.9 mph
60 mph62.3 mph+2.3 mph
65 mph67.5 mph+2.5 mph
70 mph72.7 mph+2.7 mph
75 mph77.9 mph+2.9 mph
80 mph83.1 mph+3.1 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 245/75R16 or 265/75R16?
265/75R16 is taller by 1.18 inches (31.65" vs 30.47"). 265/75R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 245/75R16 with 265/75R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.9%, 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 265/75R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/75R16 fitted (calibrated for 245/75R16), your real speed is 62.3 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.9%.
Will 265/75R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.59 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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