Tire Size Box

215/80R16 vs 235/80R16

235/80R16 compared with 215/80R16

+4.3% diameter, +0.8" width

235/80R16 is 30.80" tall vs 29.54". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

29.5"16" rim6.8"8.5" wide
215/80R16 (solid) compared with 235/80R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/80R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.6 mph

235/80R16 is +1.26 inches (+4.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/80R16235/80R16Difference%
Overall diameter29.54"30.80"+1.26"+4.3%
Section width8.46"9.25"+0.79"+9.3%
Sidewall height6.77"7.40"+0.63"+9.3%
Circumference92.81"96.77"+3.96"+4.3%
Revolutions per mile682.7654.7−27.9−4.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/80R16 and you fit 235/80R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.9 mph+0.9 mph
30 mph31.3 mph+1.3 mph
40 mph41.7 mph+1.7 mph
50 mph52.1 mph+2.1 mph
60 mph62.6 mph+2.6 mph
65 mph67.8 mph+2.8 mph
70 mph73.0 mph+3.0 mph
75 mph78.2 mph+3.2 mph
80 mph83.4 mph+3.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/80R16 or 235/80R16?
235/80R16 is taller by 1.26 inches (30.80" vs 29.54"). 235/80R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 215/80R16 with 235/80R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.3%, 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 235/80R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/80R16 fitted (calibrated for 215/80R16), your real speed is 62.6 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.3%.
Will 235/80R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.63 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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