Tire Size Box

215/75R16 vs 215/85R16

215/85R16 compared with 215/75R16

+5.9% diameter, 0.0" width

215/85R16 is 30.39" tall vs 28.70". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

28.7"16" rim6.3"8.5" wide
215/75R16 (solid) compared with 215/85R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/85R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

63.5 mph

215/85R16 is +1.69 inches (+5.9%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/75R16215/85R16Difference%
Overall diameter28.70"30.39"+1.69"+5.9%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height6.35"7.19"+0.85"+13.3%
Circumference90.15"95.47"+5.32"+5.9%
Revolutions per mile702.8663.6−39.2−5.6%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/75R16 and you fit 215/85R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.2 mph+1.2 mph
30 mph31.8 mph+1.8 mph
40 mph42.4 mph+2.4 mph
50 mph52.9 mph+2.9 mph
60 mph63.5 mph+3.5 mph
65 mph68.8 mph+3.8 mph
70 mph74.1 mph+4.1 mph
75 mph79.4 mph+4.4 mph
80 mph84.7 mph+4.7 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/75R16 or 215/85R16?
215/85R16 is taller by 1.69 inches (30.39" vs 28.70"). 215/75R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/75R16 with 215/85R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +5.9%, 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 215/85R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/85R16 fitted (calibrated for 215/75R16), your real speed is 63.5 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 5.9%.
Will 215/85R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.85 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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