255/70R15 vs 255/65R16

255/65R16 is 0.00 in (0.1 mm) shorter than 255/70R15, a −0.01% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 255/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is 60.0 mph on 255/65R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.01%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 255/65R16 is a near match for 255/70R15; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. 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 255/65R16 differences
Measurement	255/70R15	255/65R16	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	29.06 in (738.0 mm)	29.05 in (737.9 mm)	0.00 in (−0.1 mm)	−0.01%
Sidewall height	7.03 in (178.5 mm)	6.53 in (165.8 mm)	−0.50 in (−12.7 mm)	−7.14%
Section width	10.04 in (255.0 mm)	10.04 in (255.0 mm)	0.00 in (0.0 mm)	0.00%
Circumference	91.28 in (2,318.5 mm)	91.27 in (2,318.2 mm)	−0.01 in (−0.3 mm)	−0.01%
Revolutions per mile	694	694	0	+0.01%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 255/70R15
Indicated	Actual on 255/70R15	Actual on 255/65R16
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.0 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	60.0 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	75.0 mph

Ride-height change: 255/65R16 lowers the vehicle by 0.00 in (0.1 mm) at the axle (half the −0.1 mm diameter difference).

255/65R16 is the same height as 255/70R15 and the same width, a 0.01% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 255/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.0 mph on 255/65R16, and revolutions per mile change from 694 to 694.

255/65R16 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 255/65R16

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