Tire Size Box

245/80R16 vs 265/80R16

265/80R16 compared with 245/80R16

+4.0% diameter, +0.8" width

265/80R16 is 32.69" tall vs 31.43". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

31.4"16" rim7.7"9.6" wide
245/80R16 (solid) compared with 265/80R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/80R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.4 mph

265/80R16 is +1.26 inches (+4.0%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

245/80R16265/80R16Difference%
Overall diameter31.43"32.69"+1.26"+4.0%
Section width9.65"10.43"+0.79"+8.2%
Sidewall height7.72"8.35"+0.63"+8.2%
Circumference98.75"102.71"+3.96"+4.0%
Revolutions per mile641.6616.9−24.7−3.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 245/80R16 and you fit 265/80R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.8 mph+0.8 mph
30 mph31.2 mph+1.2 mph
40 mph41.6 mph+1.6 mph
50 mph52.0 mph+2.0 mph
60 mph62.4 mph+2.4 mph
65 mph67.6 mph+2.6 mph
70 mph72.8 mph+2.8 mph
75 mph78.0 mph+3.0 mph
80 mph83.2 mph+3.2 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 245/80R16 or 265/80R16?
265/80R16 is taller by 1.26 inches (32.69" vs 31.43"). 265/80R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 245/80R16 with 265/80R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.0%, 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 265/80R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/80R16 fitted (calibrated for 245/80R16), your real speed is 62.4 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.0%.
Will 265/80R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.63 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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