Tire Size Box

245/65R16 vs 265/65R16

265/65R16 compared with 245/65R16

+3.6% diameter, +0.8" width

265/65R16 is 29.56" tall vs 28.54". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

28.5"16" rim6.3"9.6" wide
245/65R16 (solid) compared with 265/65R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/65R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.2 mph

265/65R16 is +1.02 inches (+3.6%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

245/65R16265/65R16Difference%
Overall diameter28.54"29.56"+1.02"+3.6%
Section width9.65"10.43"+0.79"+8.2%
Sidewall height6.27"6.78"+0.51"+8.2%
Circumference89.66"92.87"+3.22"+3.6%
Revolutions per mile706.7682.2−24.5−3.5%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 245/65R16 and you fit 265/65R16, 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 mph62.2 mph+2.2 mph
65 mph67.3 mph+2.3 mph
70 mph72.5 mph+2.5 mph
75 mph77.7 mph+2.7 mph
80 mph82.9 mph+2.9 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 245/65R16 or 265/65R16?
265/65R16 is taller by 1.02 inches (29.56" vs 28.54"). 265/65R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 245/65R16 with 265/65R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.6%, 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 265/65R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/65R16 fitted (calibrated for 245/65R16), your real speed is 62.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.6%.
Will 265/65R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.51 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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