Tire Size Box

245/55R14 vs 265/55R14

265/55R14 compared with 245/55R14

+3.5% diameter, +0.8" width

265/55R14 is 25.48" tall vs 24.61". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.6"14" rim5.3"9.6" wide
245/55R14 (solid) compared with 265/55R14 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/55R14 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.1 mph

265/55R14 is +0.87 inches (+3.5%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

245/55R14265/55R14Difference%
Overall diameter24.61"25.48"+0.87"+3.5%
Section width9.65"10.43"+0.79"+8.2%
Sidewall height5.31"5.74"+0.43"+8.2%
Circumference77.32"80.04"+2.72"+3.5%
Revolutions per mile819.5791.6−27.9−3.4%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 245/55R14 and you fit 265/55R14, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.1 mph+1.1 mph
40 mph41.4 mph+1.4 mph
50 mph51.8 mph+1.8 mph
60 mph62.1 mph+2.1 mph
65 mph67.3 mph+2.3 mph
70 mph72.5 mph+2.5 mph
75 mph77.6 mph+2.6 mph
80 mph82.8 mph+2.8 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 245/55R14 or 265/55R14?
265/55R14 is taller by 0.87 inches (25.48" vs 24.61"). 265/55R14 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 245/55R14 with 265/55R14?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.5%, 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 265/55R14 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/55R14 fitted (calibrated for 245/55R14), your real speed is 62.1 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.5%.
Will 265/55R14 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.43 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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