265/70R15 vs 255/70R16

255/70R16 is 0.45 in (11.4 mm) taller than 265/70R15, a +1.52% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 265/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is 60.9 mph on 255/70R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +1.52%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 255/70R16 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 265/70R15. 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.

265/70R15 vs 255/70R16 differences
Measurement	265/70R15	255/70R16	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	29.61 in (752.0 mm)	30.06 in (763.4 mm)	+0.45 in (+11.4 mm)	+1.52%
Sidewall height	7.30 in (185.5 mm)	7.03 in (178.5 mm)	−0.28 in (−7.0 mm)	−3.77%
Section width	10.43 in (265.0 mm)	10.04 in (255.0 mm)	−0.39 in (−10.0 mm)	−3.77%
Circumference	93.01 in (2,362.5 mm)	94.42 in (2,398.3 mm)	+1.41 in (+35.8 mm)	+1.52%
Revolutions per mile	681	671	−10	−1.49%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 265/70R15
Indicated	Actual on 265/70R15	Actual on 255/70R16	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.5 mph	+0.5 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	60.9 mph	+0.9 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	76.1 mph	+1.1 mph

Ride-height change: 255/70R16 raises the vehicle by 0.22 in (5.7 mm) at the axle (half the +11.4 mm diameter difference).

255/70R16 is 0.45 in taller than 265/70R15 and 10 mm narrower, a 1.52% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 265/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.9 mph on 255/70R16, and revolutions per mile change from 681 to 671.

255/70R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 265/70R15.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 265/70R15

Other comparisons with 255/70R16

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