245/75R16 vs 265/75R16: Tire Size Comparison
265/75R16 is 1.18 inches taller than 245/75R16 (31.65″ vs 30.47″, +3.88%) and 0.79 inches wider. The difference is outside the common ±3% guideline. At an indicated 60 mph you would be doing 62.3 mph.
| 245/75R16 | 265/75R16 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 30.47 in | 31.65 in | +1.18 |
| Section width | 9.65 in | 10.43 in | +0.79 |
| Sidewall height | 7.23 in | 7.82 in | +0.59 |
| Circumference | 95.7 in | 99.4 in | +3.71 |
| Revolutions per mile | 662 | 637 | −25 |
245/75R16 vs 265/75R16 dimensions
| 245/75R16 | 265/75R16 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 30.47 in (774 mm) | 31.65 in (804 mm) | +1.18 in (+3.88%) |
| Section width | 9.65 in | 10.43 in | +0.79 in |
| Sidewall height | 7.23 in | 7.82 in | +0.59 in |
| Wheel diameter | 16 in | 16 in | same wheel |
| Circumference | 95.7 in | 99.4 in | +3.71 in |
| Revolutions per mile | 662 | 637 | -25 |
Nominal dimensions calculated from the size code. Real tires vary slightly by brand, tread depth and inflation.
Speedometer difference with 265/75R16
| Speedometer shows | Actual speed on 265/75R16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 30 mph | 31.2 mph | +1.2 mph |
| 45 mph | 46.7 mph | +1.7 mph |
| 60 mph | 62.3 mph | +2.3 mph |
| 70 mph | 72.7 mph | +2.7 mph |
| 80 mph | 83.1 mph | +3.1 mph |
Assumes your speedometer is accurate on 245/75R16. Because 265/75R16 is taller, you travel slightly faster than indicated and the odometer under-counts: 10,000 miles on the odometer is about 10,388 real miles.
What changes if you switch
- Ride height: up about 0.59 in (half the diameter change).
- Wheels: both fit a 16-inch wheel; check the tire's approved rim width range.
- Sidewall: a taller sidewall usually rides softer and resists pothole damage, with a little less steering sharpness.
- Effective gearing: slightly taller, so marginally lower engine rpm at speed and slightly slower acceleration.
- Match the original load index and speed rating or higher, and check for rubbing at full steering lock and full suspension compression.
Related tire size comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Can I use 265/75R16 instead of 245/75R16?
265/75R16 is +3.88% in overall diameter compared with 245/75R16 (31.65″ vs 30.47″). That is outside the common ±3% guideline, so it is a bigger change that may affect the speedometer, ABS and clearance. Check your vehicle placard, load index, speed rating and clearance before switching.
How much taller is 265/75R16 than 245/75R16?
265/75R16 is 1.18 inches taller overall, which raises ride height by about 0.59 inches. Sidewall height changes from 7.23″ to 7.82″.
How much wider is 265/75R16 than 245/75R16?
Section width goes from 9.65″ (245 mm) to 10.43″ (265 mm), a difference of +0.79 in. Actual width also depends on the rim width it is mounted on.
How does 265/75R16 affect my speedometer?
With 265/75R16 fitted in place of 245/75R16, when the speedometer shows 60 mph you are actually going about 62.3 mph. The odometer will record 10,000 miles when you have driven about 10,388.