255/70R15 vs 215/75R16

215/75R16 is 0.36 in (9.1 mm) shorter than 255/70R15, a −1.23% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 255/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is 59.3 mph on 215/75R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −1.23%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 215/75R16 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 255/70R15. 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.

255/70R15 vs 215/75R16 differences
Measurement	255/70R15	215/75R16	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	29.06 in (738.0 mm)	28.70 in (728.9 mm)	−0.36 in (−9.1 mm)	−1.23%
Sidewall height	7.03 in (178.5 mm)	6.35 in (161.3 mm)	−0.68 in (−17.2 mm)	−9.66%
Section width	10.04 in (255.0 mm)	8.46 in (215.0 mm)	−1.57 in (−40.0 mm)	−15.69%
Circumference	91.28 in (2,318.5 mm)	90.15 in (2,289.9 mm)	−1.13 in (−28.6 mm)	−1.23%
Revolutions per mile	694	703	+9	+1.25%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 255/70R15
Indicated	Actual on 255/70R15	Actual on 215/75R16	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: 215/75R16 lowers the vehicle by 0.18 in (4.6 mm) at the axle (half the −9.1 mm diameter difference).

215/75R16 is 0.36 in shorter than 255/70R15 and 40 mm narrower, a 1.23% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 255/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.3 mph on 215/75R16, and revolutions per mile change from 694 to 703.

215/75R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 255/70R15.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 255/70R15

Other comparisons with 215/75R16

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