Tire Size Box

235/45R16 vs 255/45R16

255/45R16 compared with 235/45R16

+2.9% diameter, +0.8" width

255/45R16 is 25.04" tall vs 24.33". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

24.3"16" rim4.2"9.3" wide
235/45R16 (solid) compared with 255/45R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 255/45R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.7 mph

255/45R16 is +0.71 inches (+2.9%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

235/45R16255/45R16Difference%
Overall diameter24.33"25.04"+0.71"+2.9%
Section width9.25"10.04"+0.79"+8.5%
Sidewall height4.16"4.52"+0.35"+8.5%
Circumference76.42"78.65"+2.23"+2.9%
Revolutions per mile829.1805.6−23.5−2.8%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 235/45R16 and you fit 255/45R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.6 mph+0.6 mph
30 mph30.9 mph+0.9 mph
40 mph41.2 mph+1.2 mph
50 mph51.5 mph+1.5 mph
60 mph61.7 mph+1.7 mph
65 mph66.9 mph+1.9 mph
70 mph72.0 mph+2.0 mph
75 mph77.2 mph+2.2 mph
80 mph82.3 mph+2.3 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 235/45R16 or 255/45R16?
255/45R16 is taller by 0.71 inches (25.04" vs 24.33"). 255/45R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 235/45R16 with 255/45R16?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +2.9%, inside the 3% rule of thumb most tire shops use. Check that the wider or taller tire clears your suspension and fenders, and that its load index meets your placard.
How much will 255/45R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 255/45R16 fitted (calibrated for 235/45R16), your real speed is 61.7 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 2.9%.
Will 255/45R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.35 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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