Tire Size Box

265/55R16 vs 285/55R16

285/55R16 compared with 265/55R16

+3.2% diameter, +0.8" width

285/55R16 is 28.34" 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 285/55R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 285/55R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.9 mph

285/55R16 is +0.87 inches (+3.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

265/55R16285/55R16Difference%
Overall diameter27.48"28.34"+0.87"+3.2%
Section width10.43"11.22"+0.79"+7.5%
Sidewall height5.74"6.17"+0.43"+7.5%
Circumference86.32"89.04"+2.72"+3.2%
Revolutions per mile734.0711.6−22.4−3.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 265/55R16 and you fit 285/55R16, 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 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.6 mph+1.6 mph
60 mph61.9 mph+1.9 mph
65 mph67.0 mph+2.0 mph
70 mph72.2 mph+2.2 mph
75 mph77.4 mph+2.4 mph
80 mph82.5 mph+2.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 265/55R16 or 285/55R16?
285/55R16 is taller by 0.87 inches (28.34" vs 27.48"). 285/55R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 265/55R16 with 285/55R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.2%, 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 285/55R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 285/55R16 fitted (calibrated for 265/55R16), your real speed is 61.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.2%.
Will 285/55R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.43 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons