235/70R15 vs 245/60R16

245/60R16 is 0.38 in (9.6 mm) shorter than 235/70R15, a −1.35% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 235/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is 59.2 mph on 245/60R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −1.35%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 245/60R16 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 235/70R15. 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.

235/70R15 vs 245/60R16 differences
Measurement	235/70R15	245/60R16	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	27.95 in (710.0 mm)	27.57 in (700.4 mm)	−0.38 in (−9.6 mm)	−1.35%
Sidewall height	6.48 in (164.5 mm)	5.79 in (147.0 mm)	−0.69 in (−17.5 mm)	−10.64%
Section width	9.25 in (235.0 mm)	9.65 in (245.0 mm)	+0.39 in (+10.0 mm)	+4.26%
Circumference	87.82 in (2,230.5 mm)	86.63 in (2,200.4 mm)	−1.19 in (−30.2 mm)	−1.35%
Revolutions per mile	722	731	+10	+1.37%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 235/70R15
Indicated	Actual on 235/70R15	Actual on 245/60R16	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	29.6 mph	−0.4 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	59.2 mph	−0.8 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	74.0 mph	−1.0 mph

Ride-height change: 245/60R16 lowers the vehicle by 0.19 in (4.8 mm) at the axle (half the −9.6 mm diameter difference).

245/60R16 is 0.38 in shorter than 235/70R15 and 10 mm wider, a 1.35% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 235/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.2 mph on 245/60R16, and revolutions per mile change from 722 to 731.

245/60R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 235/70R15.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 235/70R15

Other comparisons with 245/60R16

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