Tire Size Box

215/65R16 vs 235/65R16

235/65R16 compared with 215/65R16

+3.8% diameter, +0.8" width

235/65R16 is 28.03" tall vs 27.00". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.0"16" rim5.5"8.5" wide
215/65R16 (solid) compared with 235/65R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/65R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.3 mph

235/65R16 is +1.02 inches (+3.8%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/65R16235/65R16Difference%
Overall diameter27.00"28.03"+1.02"+3.8%
Section width8.46"9.25"+0.79"+9.3%
Sidewall height5.50"6.01"+0.51"+9.3%
Circumference84.84"88.05"+3.22"+3.8%
Revolutions per mile746.9719.6−27.3−3.7%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/65R16 and you fit 235/65R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.8 mph+0.8 mph
30 mph31.1 mph+1.1 mph
40 mph41.5 mph+1.5 mph
50 mph51.9 mph+1.9 mph
60 mph62.3 mph+2.3 mph
65 mph67.5 mph+2.5 mph
70 mph72.7 mph+2.7 mph
75 mph77.8 mph+2.8 mph
80 mph83.0 mph+3.0 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/65R16 or 235/65R16?
235/65R16 is taller by 1.02 inches (28.03" vs 27.00"). 235/65R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 215/65R16 with 235/65R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.8%, 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 235/65R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/65R16 fitted (calibrated for 215/65R16), your real speed is 62.3 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.8%.
Will 235/65R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.51 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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