TireSizesFinder

27x8.50R14 vs 205/65R16

205/65R16 is 0.51 in (12.9 mm) shorter than 27x8.50R14, a −1.88% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 27x8.50R14, an indicated 60 mph is 58.9 mph on 205/65R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −1.88%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 205/65R16 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 27x8.50R14. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 27x8.50R14 (27.00 in) vs 205/65R16 (26.49 in)27x8.50R1427.00 in × 8.50 in205/65R1626.49 in × 8.07 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
27x8.50R14 vs 205/65R16 differences
Measurement27x8.50R14205/65R16Difference% diff
Overall diameter27.00 in (685.8 mm)26.49 in (672.9 mm)−0.51 in (−12.9 mm)−1.88%
Sidewall height6.50 in (165.1 mm)5.25 in (133.3 mm)−1.25 in (−31.8 mm)−19.29%
Section width8.50 in (215.9 mm)8.07 in (205.0 mm)−0.43 in (−10.9 mm)−5.05%
Circumference84.82 in (2,154.5 mm)83.23 in (2,114.0 mm)−1.60 in (−40.5 mm)−1.88%
Revolutions per mile747761+14+1.92%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 27x8.50R14
IndicatedActual on 27x8.50R14Actual on 205/65R16Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.4 mph−0.6 mph
60 mph60.0 mph58.9 mph−1.1 mph
75 mph75.0 mph73.6 mph−1.4 mph

Ride-height change: 205/65R16 lowers the vehicle by 0.25 in (6.4 mm) at the axle (half the −12.9 mm diameter difference).

205/65R16 is 0.51 in shorter than 27x8.50R14 and 11 mm narrower, a 1.88% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 27x8.50R14, an indicated 60 mph is actually 58.9 mph on 205/65R16, and revolutions per mile change from 747 to 761.

205/65R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-2 fitment from the 14-inch wheel of 27x8.50R14.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 27x8.50R14

Other comparisons with 205/65R16

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