Tire Size Box

245/55R16 vs 265/55R16

265/55R16 compared with 245/55R16

+3.3% diameter, +0.8" width

265/55R16 is 27.48" tall vs 26.61". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.6"16" rim5.3"9.6" wide
245/55R16 (solid) compared with 265/55R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/55R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.0 mph

265/55R16 is +0.87 inches (+3.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

245/55R16265/55R16Difference%
Overall diameter26.61"27.48"+0.87"+3.3%
Section width9.65"10.43"+0.79"+8.2%
Sidewall height5.31"5.74"+0.43"+8.2%
Circumference83.60"86.32"+2.72"+3.3%
Revolutions per mile757.9734.0−23.9−3.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 245/55R16 and you fit 265/55R16, 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 mph51.6 mph+1.6 mph
60 mph62.0 mph+2.0 mph
65 mph67.1 mph+2.1 mph
70 mph72.3 mph+2.3 mph
75 mph77.4 mph+2.4 mph
80 mph82.6 mph+2.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 245/55R16 or 265/55R16?
265/55R16 is taller by 0.87 inches (27.48" vs 26.61"). 265/55R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 245/55R16 with 265/55R16?
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 265/55R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/55R16 fitted (calibrated for 245/55R16), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.3%.
Will 265/55R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.43 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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