255/70R16 vs 31x10.50R16

31x10.50R16 is 0.94 in (24.0 mm) taller than 255/70R16, a +3.14% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 255/70R16, an indicated 60 mph is 61.9 mph on 31x10.50R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +3.14%: outside the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 31x10.50R16 falls outside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 255/70R16; 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.

255/70R16 vs 31x10.50R16 differences
Measurement	255/70R16	31x10.50R16	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	30.06 in (763.4 mm)	31.00 in (787.4 mm)	+0.94 in (+24.0 mm)	+3.14%
Sidewall height	7.03 in (178.5 mm)	7.50 in (190.5 mm)	+0.47 in (+12.0 mm)	+6.72%
Section width	10.04 in (255.0 mm)	10.50 in (266.7 mm)	+0.46 in (+11.7 mm)	+4.59%
Circumference	94.42 in (2,398.3 mm)	97.39 in (2,473.7 mm)	+2.97 in (+75.4 mm)	+3.14%
Revolutions per mile	671	651	−20	−3.05%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 255/70R16
Indicated	Actual on 255/70R16	Actual on 31x10.50R16	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.9 mph	+0.9 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	61.9 mph	+1.9 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	77.4 mph	+2.4 mph

Ride-height change: 31x10.50R16 raises the vehicle by 0.47 in (12.0 mm) at the axle (half the +24.0 mm diameter difference).

31x10.50R16 is 0.94 in taller than 255/70R16 and 12 mm wider, a 3.14% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 255/70R16, an indicated 60 mph is actually 61.9 mph on 31x10.50R16, and revolutions per mile change from 671 to 651.

Both sizes mount on 16-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 255/70R16

Other comparisons with 31x10.50R16

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