Tire Size Box

215/60R16 vs 235/60R16

235/60R16 compared with 215/60R16

+3.6% diameter, +0.8" width

235/60R16 is 27.10" tall vs 26.16". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.2"16" rim5.1"8.5" wide
215/60R16 (solid) compared with 235/60R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

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

62.2 mph

235/60R16 is +0.94 inches (+3.6%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/60R16235/60R16Difference%
Overall diameter26.16"27.10"+0.94"+3.6%
Section width8.46"9.25"+0.79"+9.3%
Sidewall height5.08"5.55"+0.47"+9.3%
Circumference82.18"85.14"+2.97"+3.6%
Revolutions per mile771.0744.1−26.9−3.5%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/60R16 and you fit 235/60R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.1 mph+1.1 mph
40 mph41.4 mph+1.4 mph
50 mph51.8 mph+1.8 mph
60 mph62.2 mph+2.2 mph
65 mph67.3 mph+2.3 mph
70 mph72.5 mph+2.5 mph
75 mph77.7 mph+2.7 mph
80 mph82.9 mph+2.9 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/60R16 or 235/60R16?
235/60R16 is taller by 0.94 inches (27.10" vs 26.16"). 235/60R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 215/60R16 with 235/60R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.6%, 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 235/60R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/60R16 fitted (calibrated for 215/60R16), your real speed is 62.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.6%.
Will 235/60R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.47 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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