235/75R15 vs 245/65R16

245/65R16 is 0.34 in (8.6 mm) shorter than 235/75R15, a −1.17% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 235/75R15, an indicated 60 mph is 59.3 mph on 245/65R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −1.17%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 245/65R16 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 235/75R15. 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.

235/75R15 vs 245/65R16 differences
Measurement	235/75R15	245/65R16	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	28.88 in (733.5 mm)	28.54 in (724.9 mm)	−0.34 in (−8.6 mm)	−1.17%
Sidewall height	6.94 in (176.3 mm)	6.27 in (159.3 mm)	−0.67 in (−17.0 mm)	−9.65%
Section width	9.25 in (235.0 mm)	9.65 in (245.0 mm)	+0.39 in (+10.0 mm)	+4.26%
Circumference	90.72 in (2,304.4 mm)	89.66 in (2,277.3 mm)	−1.06 in (−27.0 mm)	−1.17%
Revolutions per mile	698	707	+8	+1.19%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 235/75R15
Indicated	Actual on 235/75R15	Actual on 245/65R16	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	29.6 mph	−0.4 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	59.3 mph	−0.7 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	74.1 mph	−0.9 mph

Ride-height change: 245/65R16 lowers the vehicle by 0.17 in (4.3 mm) at the axle (half the −8.6 mm diameter difference).

245/65R16 is 0.34 in shorter than 235/75R15 and 10 mm wider, a 1.17% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 235/75R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.3 mph on 245/65R16, and revolutions per mile change from 698 to 707.

245/65R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 235/75R15.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 235/75R15

Other comparisons with 245/65R16

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