Tire Size Box

215/85R16 vs 235/85R16

235/85R16 compared with 215/85R16

+4.4% diameter, +0.8" width

235/85R16 is 31.73" tall vs 30.39". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

30.4"16" rim7.2"8.5" wide
215/85R16 (solid) compared with 235/85R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/85R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.6 mph

235/85R16 is +1.34 inches (+4.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/85R16235/85R16Difference%
Overall diameter30.39"31.73"+1.34"+4.4%
Section width8.46"9.25"+0.79"+9.3%
Sidewall height7.19"7.86"+0.67"+9.3%
Circumference95.47"99.68"+4.21"+4.4%
Revolutions per mile663.6635.6−28.0−4.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/85R16 and you fit 235/85R16, 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 mph41.8 mph+1.8 mph
50 mph52.2 mph+2.2 mph
60 mph62.6 mph+2.6 mph
65 mph67.9 mph+2.9 mph
70 mph73.1 mph+3.1 mph
75 mph78.3 mph+3.3 mph
80 mph83.5 mph+3.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/85R16 or 235/85R16?
235/85R16 is taller by 1.34 inches (31.73" vs 30.39"). 235/85R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 215/85R16 with 235/85R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.4%, 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 235/85R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/85R16 fitted (calibrated for 215/85R16), your real speed is 62.6 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.4%.
Will 235/85R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.67 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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