Tire Size Box

235/60R16 vs 235/70R16

235/70R16 compared with 235/60R16

+6.8% diameter, 0.0" width

235/70R16 is 28.95" tall vs 27.10". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.1"16" rim5.6"9.3" wide
235/60R16 (solid) compared with 235/70R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/70R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.1 mph

235/70R16 is +1.85 inches (+6.8%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

235/60R16235/70R16Difference%
Overall diameter27.10"28.95"+1.85"+6.8%
Section width9.25"9.25"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.55"6.48"+0.93"+16.7%
Circumference85.14"90.96"+5.81"+6.8%
Revolutions per mile744.1696.6−47.6−6.4%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 235/60R16 and you fit 235/70R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.4 mph+1.4 mph
30 mph32.0 mph+2.0 mph
40 mph42.7 mph+2.7 mph
50 mph53.4 mph+3.4 mph
60 mph64.1 mph+4.1 mph
65 mph69.4 mph+4.4 mph
70 mph74.8 mph+4.8 mph
75 mph80.1 mph+5.1 mph
80 mph85.5 mph+5.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 235/60R16 or 235/70R16?
235/70R16 is taller by 1.85 inches (28.95" vs 27.10"). 235/60R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 235/60R16 with 235/70R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.8%, 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 235/70R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/70R16 fitted (calibrated for 235/60R16), your real speed is 64.1 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.8%.
Will 235/70R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.93 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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