225/70R16 vs 235/70R16

235/70R16 is 0.55 in (14.0 mm) taller than 225/70R16, a +1.94% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 225/70R16, an indicated 60 mph is 61.2 mph on 235/70R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +1.94%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 235/70R16 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 225/70R16. 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.

225/70R16 vs 235/70R16 differences
Measurement	225/70R16	235/70R16	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	28.40 in (721.4 mm)	28.95 in (735.4 mm)	+0.55 in (+14.0 mm)	+1.94%
Sidewall height	6.20 in (157.5 mm)	6.48 in (164.5 mm)	+0.28 in (+7.0 mm)	+4.44%
Section width	8.86 in (225.0 mm)	9.25 in (235.0 mm)	+0.39 in (+10.0 mm)	+4.44%
Circumference	89.23 in (2,266.3 mm)	90.96 in (2,310.3 mm)	+1.73 in (+44.0 mm)	+1.94%
Revolutions per mile	710	697	−14	−1.90%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 225/70R16
Indicated	Actual on 225/70R16	Actual on 235/70R16	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.6 mph	+0.6 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	61.2 mph	+1.2 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	76.5 mph	+1.5 mph

Ride-height change: 235/70R16 raises the vehicle by 0.28 in (7.0 mm) at the axle (half the +14.0 mm diameter difference).

235/70R16 is 0.55 in taller than 225/70R16 and 10 mm wider, a 1.94% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 225/70R16, an indicated 60 mph is actually 61.2 mph on 235/70R16, and revolutions per mile change from 710 to 697.

Both sizes mount on 16-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 225/70R16

Other comparisons with 235/70R16

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