Tire Size Box

265/55R16 vs 265/60R16

265/60R16 compared with 265/55R16

+3.8% diameter, 0.0" width

265/60R16 is 28.52" tall vs 27.48". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.5"16" rim5.7"10.4" wide
265/55R16 (solid) compared with 265/60R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

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

62.3 mph

265/60R16 is +1.04 inches (+3.8%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

265/55R16265/60R16Difference%
Overall diameter27.48"28.52"+1.04"+3.8%
Section width10.43"10.43"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.74"6.26"+0.52"+9.1%
Circumference86.32"89.60"+3.28"+3.8%
Revolutions per mile734.0707.2−26.9−3.7%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 265/55R16 and you fit 265/60R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.8 mph+0.8 mph
30 mph31.1 mph+1.1 mph
40 mph41.5 mph+1.5 mph
50 mph51.9 mph+1.9 mph
60 mph62.3 mph+2.3 mph
65 mph67.5 mph+2.5 mph
70 mph72.7 mph+2.7 mph
75 mph77.8 mph+2.8 mph
80 mph83.0 mph+3.0 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 265/55R16 or 265/60R16?
265/60R16 is taller by 1.04 inches (28.52" vs 27.48"). 265/55R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 265/55R16 with 265/60R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.8%, 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 265/60R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/60R16 fitted (calibrated for 265/55R16), your real speed is 62.3 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.8%.
Will 265/60R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.52 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons