Tire Size Box

235/70R16 vs 235/80R16

235/80R16 compared with 235/70R16

+6.4% diameter, 0.0" width

235/80R16 is 30.80" tall vs 28.95". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

29.0"16" rim6.5"9.3" wide
235/70R16 (solid) compared with 235/80R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

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

63.8 mph

235/80R16 is +1.85 inches (+6.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

235/70R16235/80R16Difference%
Overall diameter28.95"30.80"+1.85"+6.4%
Section width9.25"9.25"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height6.48"7.40"+0.93"+14.3%
Circumference90.96"96.77"+5.81"+6.4%
Revolutions per mile696.6654.7−41.8−6.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 235/70R16 and you fit 235/80R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.3 mph+1.3 mph
30 mph31.9 mph+1.9 mph
40 mph42.6 mph+2.6 mph
50 mph53.2 mph+3.2 mph
60 mph63.8 mph+3.8 mph
65 mph69.2 mph+4.2 mph
70 mph74.5 mph+4.5 mph
75 mph79.8 mph+4.8 mph
80 mph85.1 mph+5.1 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 235/70R16 or 235/80R16?
235/80R16 is taller by 1.85 inches (30.80" vs 28.95"). 235/70R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 235/70R16 with 235/80R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.4%, 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 235/80R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/80R16 fitted (calibrated for 235/70R16), your real speed is 63.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.4%.
Will 235/80R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.93 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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