Tire Size Box

235/65R16 vs 235/70R16

235/70R16 compared with 235/65R16

+3.3% diameter, 0.0" width

235/70R16 is 28.95" tall vs 28.03". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

28.0"16" rim6.0"9.3" wide
235/65R16 (solid) compared with 235/70R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

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

62.0 mph

235/70R16 is +0.93 inches (+3.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

235/65R16235/70R16Difference%
Overall diameter28.03"28.95"+0.93"+3.3%
Section width9.25"9.25"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height6.01"6.48"+0.46"+7.7%
Circumference88.05"90.96"+2.91"+3.3%
Revolutions per mile719.6696.6−23.0−3.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 235/65R16 and you fit 235/70R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.7 mph+1.7 mph
60 mph62.0 mph+2.0 mph
65 mph67.1 mph+2.1 mph
70 mph72.3 mph+2.3 mph
75 mph77.5 mph+2.5 mph
80 mph82.6 mph+2.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 235/65R16 or 235/70R16?
235/70R16 is taller by 0.93 inches (28.95" vs 28.03"). 235/65R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 235/65R16 with 235/70R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.3%, 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 235/70R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/70R16 fitted (calibrated for 235/65R16), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.3%.
Will 235/70R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.46 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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