165/70R13 vs 155/80R13

155/80R13 is 0.67 in (17.0 mm) taller than 165/70R13, a +3.03% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 165/70R13, an indicated 60 mph is 61.8 mph on 155/80R13.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +3.03%: outside the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 155/80R13 falls outside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 165/70R13; speedometer and ride-height changes are larger. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.

165/70R13 vs 155/80R13 differences
Measurement	165/70R13	155/80R13	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	22.09 in (561.2 mm)	22.76 in (578.2 mm)	+0.67 in (+17.0 mm)	+3.03%
Sidewall height	4.55 in (115.5 mm)	4.88 in (124.0 mm)	+0.33 in (+8.5 mm)	+7.36%
Section width	6.50 in (165.0 mm)	6.10 in (155.0 mm)	−0.39 in (−10.0 mm)	−6.06%
Circumference	69.41 in (1,763.1 mm)	71.51 in (1,816.5 mm)	+2.10 in (+53.4 mm)	+3.03%
Revolutions per mile	913	886	−27	−2.94%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 165/70R13
Indicated	Actual on 165/70R13	Actual on 155/80R13	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.9 mph	+0.9 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	61.8 mph	+1.8 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	77.3 mph	+2.3 mph

Ride-height change: 155/80R13 raises the vehicle by 0.33 in (8.5 mm) at the axle (half the +17.0 mm diameter difference).

155/80R13 is 0.67 in taller than 165/70R13 and 10 mm narrower, a 3.03% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 165/70R13, an indicated 60 mph is actually 61.8 mph on 155/80R13, and revolutions per mile change from 913 to 886.

Both sizes mount on 13-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 165/70R13

Other comparisons with 155/80R13

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified 2026-09-27. How these numbers are calculated.