245/70R16 vs 265/70R16

265/70R16 is 1.10 in (28.0 mm) taller than 245/70R16, a +3.74% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 245/70R16, an indicated 60 mph is 62.2 mph on 265/70R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +3.74%: outside the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 265/70R16 falls outside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 245/70R16; 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.

245/70R16 vs 265/70R16 differences
Measurement	245/70R16	265/70R16	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	29.50 in (749.4 mm)	30.61 in (777.4 mm)	+1.10 in (+28.0 mm)	+3.74%
Sidewall height	6.75 in (171.5 mm)	7.30 in (185.5 mm)	+0.55 in (+14.0 mm)	+8.16%
Section width	9.65 in (245.0 mm)	10.43 in (265.0 mm)	+0.79 in (+20.0 mm)	+8.16%
Circumference	92.69 in (2,354.3 mm)	96.15 in (2,442.3 mm)	+3.46 in (+88.0 mm)	+3.74%
Revolutions per mile	684	659	−25	−3.60%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 245/70R16
Indicated	Actual on 245/70R16	Actual on 265/70R16	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	31.1 mph	+1.1 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	62.2 mph	+2.2 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	77.8 mph	+2.8 mph

Ride-height change: 265/70R16 raises the vehicle by 0.55 in (14.0 mm) at the axle (half the +28.0 mm diameter difference).

265/70R16 is 1.10 in taller than 245/70R16 and 20 mm wider, a 3.74% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 245/70R16, an indicated 60 mph is actually 62.2 mph on 265/70R16, and revolutions per mile change from 684 to 659.

Both sizes mount on 16-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 245/70R16

Other comparisons with 265/70R16

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