Tire Size Box

275/65R16 vs 275/70R16

275/70R16 compared with 275/65R16

+3.6% diameter, 0.0" width

275/70R16 is 31.16" tall vs 30.07". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

30.1"16" rim7.0"10.8" wide
275/65R16 (solid) compared with 275/70R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 275/70R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.2 mph

275/70R16 is +1.08 inches (+3.6%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

275/65R16275/70R16Difference%
Overall diameter30.07"31.16"+1.08"+3.6%
Section width10.83"10.83"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height7.04"7.58"+0.54"+7.7%
Circumference94.48"97.88"+3.40"+3.6%
Revolutions per mile670.6647.3−23.3−3.5%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 275/65R16 and you fit 275/70R16, 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 mph62.2 mph+2.2 mph
65 mph67.3 mph+2.3 mph
70 mph72.5 mph+2.5 mph
75 mph77.7 mph+2.7 mph
80 mph82.9 mph+2.9 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 275/65R16 or 275/70R16?
275/70R16 is taller by 1.08 inches (31.16" vs 30.07"). 275/65R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 275/65R16 with 275/70R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.6%, 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 275/70R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 275/70R16 fitted (calibrated for 275/65R16), your real speed is 62.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.6%.
Will 275/70R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.54 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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