Tire Size Box

255/85R16 vs 265/85R16

265/85R16 compared with 255/85R16

+2.0% diameter, +0.4" width

265/85R16 is 33.74" tall vs 33.07". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

33.1"16" rim8.5"10.0" wide
255/85R16 (solid) compared with 265/85R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/85R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.2 mph

265/85R16 is +0.67 inches (+2.0%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

255/85R16265/85R16Difference%
Overall diameter33.07"33.74"+0.67"+2.0%
Section width10.04"10.43"+0.39"+3.9%
Sidewall height8.53"8.87"+0.33"+3.9%
Circumference103.88"105.99"+2.10"+2.0%
Revolutions per mile609.9597.8−12.1−2.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 255/85R16 and you fit 265/85R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.4 mph+0.4 mph
30 mph30.6 mph+0.6 mph
40 mph40.8 mph+0.8 mph
50 mph51.0 mph+1.0 mph
60 mph61.2 mph+1.2 mph
65 mph66.3 mph+1.3 mph
70 mph71.4 mph+1.4 mph
75 mph76.5 mph+1.5 mph
80 mph81.6 mph+1.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 255/85R16 or 265/85R16?
265/85R16 is taller by 0.67 inches (33.74" vs 33.07"). 265/85R16 is wider by 0.39 inches.
Can I replace 255/85R16 with 265/85R16?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +2.0%, inside the 3% rule of thumb most tire shops use. Check that the wider or taller tire clears your suspension and fenders, and that its load index meets your placard.
How much will 265/85R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/85R16 fitted (calibrated for 255/85R16), your real speed is 61.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 2.0%.
Will 265/85R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.33 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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