Tire Size Box

215/75R16 vs 235/75R16

235/75R16 compared with 215/75R16

+4.1% diameter, +0.8" width

235/75R16 is 29.88" 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 235/75R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/75R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.5 mph

235/75R16 is +1.18 inches (+4.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/75R16235/75R16Difference%
Overall diameter28.70"29.88"+1.18"+4.1%
Section width8.46"9.25"+0.79"+9.3%
Sidewall height6.35"6.94"+0.59"+9.3%
Circumference90.15"93.86"+3.71"+4.1%
Revolutions per mile702.8675.0−27.8−4.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/75R16 and you fit 235/75R16, 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 mph52.1 mph+2.1 mph
60 mph62.5 mph+2.5 mph
65 mph67.7 mph+2.7 mph
70 mph72.9 mph+2.9 mph
75 mph78.1 mph+3.1 mph
80 mph83.3 mph+3.3 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/75R16 or 235/75R16?
235/75R16 is taller by 1.18 inches (29.88" vs 28.70"). 235/75R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 215/75R16 with 235/75R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.1%, 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 235/75R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/75R16 fitted (calibrated for 215/75R16), your real speed is 62.5 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.1%.
Will 235/75R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.59 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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