TireSizesFinder

265/75R15 vs 215/85R16

215/85R16 is 0.26 in (6.6 mm) shorter than 265/75R15, a −0.85% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 265/75R15, an indicated 60 mph is 59.5 mph on 215/85R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.85%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 215/85R16 is a near match for 265/75R15; 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: 265/75R15 (30.65 in) vs 215/85R16 (30.39 in)265/75R1530.65 in × 10.43 in215/85R1630.39 in × 8.46 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
265/75R15 vs 215/85R16 differences
Measurement265/75R15215/85R16Difference% diff
Overall diameter30.65 in (778.5 mm)30.39 in (771.9 mm)−0.26 in (−6.6 mm)−0.85%
Sidewall height7.82 in (198.8 mm)7.19 in (182.8 mm)−0.63 in (−16.0 mm)−8.05%
Section width10.43 in (265.0 mm)8.46 in (215.0 mm)−1.97 in (−50.0 mm)−18.87%
Circumference96.29 in (2,445.7 mm)95.47 in (2,425.0 mm)−0.82 in (−20.7 mm)−0.85%
Revolutions per mile658664+6+0.86%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 265/75R15
IndicatedActual on 265/75R15Actual on 215/85R16Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.7 mph−0.3 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.5 mph−0.5 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.4 mph−0.6 mph

Ride-height change: 215/85R16 lowers the vehicle by 0.13 in (3.3 mm) at the axle (half the −6.6 mm diameter difference).

215/85R16 is 0.26 in shorter than 265/75R15 and 50 mm narrower, a 0.85% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 265/75R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.5 mph on 215/85R16, and revolutions per mile change from 658 to 664.

215/85R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 265/75R15.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 265/75R15

Other comparisons with 215/85R16

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