Tire Size Box

215/55R16 vs 235/55R16

235/55R16 compared with 215/55R16

+3.4% diameter, +0.8" width

235/55R16 is 26.18" tall vs 25.31". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.3"16" rim4.7"8.5" wide
215/55R16 (solid) compared with 235/55R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/55R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.1 mph

235/55R16 is +0.87 inches (+3.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/55R16235/55R16Difference%
Overall diameter25.31"26.18"+0.87"+3.4%
Section width8.46"9.25"+0.79"+9.3%
Sidewall height4.66"5.09"+0.43"+9.3%
Circumference79.52"82.24"+2.72"+3.4%
Revolutions per mile796.8770.4−26.4−3.3%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/55R16 and you fit 235/55R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.4 mph+1.4 mph
50 mph51.7 mph+1.7 mph
60 mph62.1 mph+2.1 mph
65 mph67.2 mph+2.2 mph
70 mph72.4 mph+2.4 mph
75 mph77.6 mph+2.6 mph
80 mph82.7 mph+2.7 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/55R16 or 235/55R16?
235/55R16 is taller by 0.87 inches (26.18" vs 25.31"). 235/55R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 215/55R16 with 235/55R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.4%, more than the 3% most shops and makers allow. It will throw off the speedometer and may affect ABS, stability control and clearance.
How much will 235/55R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/55R16 fitted (calibrated for 215/55R16), your real speed is 62.1 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.4%.
Will 235/55R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.43 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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