Tire Size Box

265/60R15 vs 265/65R15

265/65R15 compared with 265/60R15

+3.8% diameter, 0.0" width

265/65R15 is 28.56" tall vs 27.52". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.5"15" rim6.3"10.4" wide
265/60R15 (solid) compared with 265/65R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/65R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.3 mph

265/65R15 is +1.04 inches (+3.8%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

265/60R15265/65R15Difference%
Overall diameter27.52"28.56"+1.04"+3.8%
Section width10.43"10.43"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height6.26"6.78"+0.52"+8.3%
Circumference86.46"89.73"+3.28"+3.8%
Revolutions per mile732.9706.1−26.8−3.7%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 265/60R15 and you fit 265/65R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.8 mph+0.8 mph
30 mph31.1 mph+1.1 mph
40 mph41.5 mph+1.5 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 mph77.8 mph+2.8 mph
80 mph83.0 mph+3.0 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 265/60R15 or 265/65R15?
265/65R15 is taller by 1.04 inches (28.56" vs 27.52"). 265/60R15 is the same width.
Can I replace 265/60R15 with 265/65R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.8%, 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 265/65R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/65R15 fitted (calibrated for 265/60R15), your real speed is 62.3 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.8%.
Will 265/65R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.52 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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