Tire Size Box

215/70R16 vs 235/70R16

235/70R16 compared with 215/70R16

+4.0% diameter, +0.8" width

235/70R16 is 28.95" tall vs 27.85". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.9"16" rim5.9"8.5" wide
215/70R16 (solid) compared with 235/70R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/70R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.4 mph

235/70R16 is +1.10 inches (+4.0%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/70R16235/70R16Difference%
Overall diameter27.85"28.95"+1.10"+4.0%
Section width8.46"9.25"+0.79"+9.3%
Sidewall height5.93"6.48"+0.55"+9.3%
Circumference87.49"90.96"+3.46"+4.0%
Revolutions per mile724.2696.6−27.6−3.8%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/70R16 and you fit 235/70R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.8 mph+0.8 mph
30 mph31.2 mph+1.2 mph
40 mph41.6 mph+1.6 mph
50 mph52.0 mph+2.0 mph
60 mph62.4 mph+2.4 mph
65 mph67.6 mph+2.6 mph
70 mph72.8 mph+2.8 mph
75 mph78.0 mph+3.0 mph
80 mph83.2 mph+3.2 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/70R16 or 235/70R16?
235/70R16 is taller by 1.10 inches (28.95" vs 27.85"). 235/70R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 215/70R16 with 235/70R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.0%, 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 235/70R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/70R16 fitted (calibrated for 215/70R16), your real speed is 62.4 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.0%.
Will 235/70R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.55 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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