Tire Size Box

265/60R16 vs 265/70R16

265/70R16 compared with 265/60R16

+7.3% diameter, 0.0" width

265/70R16 is 30.61" tall vs 28.52". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

28.5"16" rim6.3"10.4" wide
265/60R16 (solid) compared with 265/70R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/70R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.4 mph

265/70R16 is +2.09 inches (+7.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

265/60R16265/70R16Difference%
Overall diameter28.52"30.61"+2.09"+7.3%
Section width10.43"10.43"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height6.26"7.30"+1.04"+16.7%
Circumference89.60"96.15"+6.56"+7.3%
Revolutions per mile707.2659.0−48.2−6.8%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 265/60R16 and you fit 265/70R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.5 mph+1.5 mph
30 mph32.2 mph+2.2 mph
40 mph42.9 mph+2.9 mph
50 mph53.7 mph+3.7 mph
60 mph64.4 mph+4.4 mph
65 mph69.8 mph+4.8 mph
70 mph75.1 mph+5.1 mph
75 mph80.5 mph+5.5 mph
80 mph85.9 mph+5.9 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 265/60R16 or 265/70R16?
265/70R16 is taller by 2.09 inches (30.61" vs 28.52"). 265/60R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 265/60R16 with 265/70R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +7.3%, 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 265/70R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/70R16 fitted (calibrated for 265/60R16), your real speed is 64.4 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 7.3%.
Will 265/70R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.04 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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