Tire Size Box

265/65R16 vs 265/70R16

265/70R16 compared with 265/65R16

+3.5% diameter, 0.0" width

265/70R16 is 30.61" tall vs 29.56". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

29.6"16" rim6.8"10.4" wide
265/65R16 (solid) compared with 265/70R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/70R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.1 mph

265/70R16 is +1.04 inches (+3.5%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

265/65R16265/70R16Difference%
Overall diameter29.56"30.61"+1.04"+3.5%
Section width10.43"10.43"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height6.78"7.30"+0.52"+7.7%
Circumference92.87"96.15"+3.28"+3.5%
Revolutions per mile682.2659.0−23.3−3.4%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 265/65R16 and you fit 265/70R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.1 mph+1.1 mph
40 mph41.4 mph+1.4 mph
50 mph51.8 mph+1.8 mph
60 mph62.1 mph+2.1 mph
65 mph67.3 mph+2.3 mph
70 mph72.5 mph+2.5 mph
75 mph77.6 mph+2.6 mph
80 mph82.8 mph+2.8 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 265/65R16 or 265/70R16?
265/70R16 is taller by 1.04 inches (30.61" vs 29.56"). 265/65R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 265/65R16 with 265/70R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.5%, 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 265/70R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/70R16 fitted (calibrated for 265/65R16), your real speed is 62.1 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.5%.
Will 265/70R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.52 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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