Tire Size Box

245/50R16 vs 265/50R16

265/50R16 compared with 245/50R16

+3.1% diameter, +0.8" width

265/50R16 is 26.43" tall vs 25.65". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.6"16" rim4.8"9.6" wide
245/50R16 (solid) compared with 265/50R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/50R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.8 mph

265/50R16 is +0.79 inches (+3.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

245/50R16265/50R16Difference%
Overall diameter25.65"26.43"+0.79"+3.1%
Section width9.65"10.43"+0.79"+8.2%
Sidewall height4.82"5.22"+0.39"+8.2%
Circumference80.57"83.04"+2.47"+3.1%
Revolutions per mile786.4763.0−23.4−3.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 245/50R16 and you fit 265/50R16, 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 mph61.8 mph+1.8 mph
65 mph67.0 mph+2.0 mph
70 mph72.1 mph+2.1 mph
75 mph77.3 mph+2.3 mph
80 mph82.5 mph+2.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 245/50R16 or 265/50R16?
265/50R16 is taller by 0.79 inches (26.43" vs 25.65"). 265/50R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 245/50R16 with 265/50R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.1%, 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 265/50R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/50R16 fitted (calibrated for 245/50R16), your real speed is 61.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.1%.
Will 265/50R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.39 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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