Tire Size Box

255/60R16 vs 275/60R16

275/60R16 compared with 255/60R16

+3.4% diameter, +0.8" width

275/60R16 is 28.99" tall vs 28.05". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

28.0"16" rim6.0"10.0" wide
255/60R16 (solid) compared with 275/60R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 275/60R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.0 mph

275/60R16 is +0.94 inches (+3.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

255/60R16275/60R16Difference%
Overall diameter28.05"28.99"+0.94"+3.4%
Section width10.04"10.83"+0.79"+7.8%
Sidewall height6.02"6.50"+0.47"+7.8%
Circumference88.11"91.08"+2.97"+3.4%
Revolutions per mile719.1695.6−23.4−3.3%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 255/60R16 and you fit 275/60R16, 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 mph51.7 mph+1.7 mph
60 mph62.0 mph+2.0 mph
65 mph67.2 mph+2.2 mph
70 mph72.4 mph+2.4 mph
75 mph77.5 mph+2.5 mph
80 mph82.7 mph+2.7 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 255/60R16 or 275/60R16?
275/60R16 is taller by 0.94 inches (28.99" vs 28.05"). 275/60R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 255/60R16 with 275/60R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.4%, 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 275/60R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 275/60R16 fitted (calibrated for 255/60R16), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.4%.
Will 275/60R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.47 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons