Tire Size Box

265/50R16 vs 285/50R16

285/50R16 compared with 265/50R16

+3.0% diameter, +0.8" width

285/50R16 is 27.22" tall vs 26.43". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

26.4"16" rim5.2"10.4" wide
265/50R16 (solid) compared with 285/50R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 285/50R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.8 mph

285/50R16 is +0.79 inches (+3.0%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

265/50R16285/50R16Difference%
Overall diameter26.43"27.22"+0.79"+3.0%
Section width10.43"11.22"+0.79"+7.5%
Sidewall height5.22"5.61"+0.39"+7.5%
Circumference83.04"85.52"+2.47"+3.0%
Revolutions per mile763.0740.9−22.1−2.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 265/50R16 and you fit 285/50R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.6 mph+0.6 mph
30 mph30.9 mph+0.9 mph
40 mph41.2 mph+1.2 mph
50 mph51.5 mph+1.5 mph
60 mph61.8 mph+1.8 mph
65 mph66.9 mph+1.9 mph
70 mph72.1 mph+2.1 mph
75 mph77.2 mph+2.2 mph
80 mph82.4 mph+2.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 265/50R16 or 285/50R16?
285/50R16 is taller by 0.79 inches (27.22" vs 26.43"). 285/50R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 265/50R16 with 285/50R16?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +3.0%, inside the 3% rule of thumb most tire shops use. Check that the wider or taller tire clears your suspension and fenders, and that its load index meets your placard.
How much will 285/50R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 285/50R16 fitted (calibrated for 265/50R16), your real speed is 61.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.0%.
Will 285/50R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.39 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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