TireSizesFinder

265/70R15 vs 245/70R16

245/70R16 is 0.10 in (2.6 mm) shorter than 265/70R15, a −0.35% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 265/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is 59.8 mph on 245/70R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.35%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 245/70R16 is a near match for 265/70R15; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 265/70R15 (29.61 in) vs 245/70R16 (29.50 in)265/70R1529.61 in × 10.43 in245/70R1629.50 in × 9.65 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
265/70R15 vs 245/70R16 differences
Measurement265/70R15245/70R16Difference% diff
Overall diameter29.61 in (752.0 mm)29.50 in (749.4 mm)−0.10 in (−2.6 mm)−0.35%
Sidewall height7.30 in (185.5 mm)6.75 in (171.5 mm)−0.55 in (−14.0 mm)−7.55%
Section width10.43 in (265.0 mm)9.65 in (245.0 mm)−0.79 in (−20.0 mm)−7.55%
Circumference93.01 in (2,362.5 mm)92.69 in (2,354.3 mm)−0.32 in (−8.2 mm)−0.35%
Revolutions per mile681684+2+0.35%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 265/70R15
IndicatedActual on 265/70R15Actual on 245/70R16Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.9 mph−0.1 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.8 mph−0.2 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.7 mph−0.3 mph

Ride-height change: 245/70R16 lowers the vehicle by 0.05 in (1.3 mm) at the axle (half the −2.6 mm diameter difference).

245/70R16 is 0.10 in shorter than 265/70R15 and 20 mm narrower, a 0.35% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 265/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.8 mph on 245/70R16, and revolutions per mile change from 681 to 684.

245/70R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 265/70R15.

Size pages

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Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified . How these numbers are calculated.