Tire Size Box

245/85R16 vs 265/85R16

265/85R16 compared with 245/85R16

+4.1% diameter, +0.8" width

265/85R16 is 33.74" tall vs 32.40". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

32.4"16" rim8.2"9.6" wide
245/85R16 (solid) compared with 265/85R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/85R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.5 mph

265/85R16 is +1.34 inches (+4.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

245/85R16265/85R16Difference%
Overall diameter32.40"33.74"+1.34"+4.1%
Section width9.65"10.43"+0.79"+8.2%
Sidewall height8.20"8.87"+0.67"+8.2%
Circumference101.78"105.99"+4.21"+4.1%
Revolutions per mile622.5597.8−24.7−4.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 245/85R16 and you fit 265/85R16, 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 mph41.7 mph+1.7 mph
50 mph52.1 mph+2.1 mph
60 mph62.5 mph+2.5 mph
65 mph67.7 mph+2.7 mph
70 mph72.9 mph+2.9 mph
75 mph78.1 mph+3.1 mph
80 mph83.3 mph+3.3 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 245/85R16 or 265/85R16?
265/85R16 is taller by 1.34 inches (33.74" vs 32.40"). 265/85R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 245/85R16 with 265/85R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.1%, 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 265/85R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/85R16 fitted (calibrated for 245/85R16), your real speed is 62.5 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.1%.
Will 265/85R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.67 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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