Tire Size Box

265/70R16 vs 265/80R16

265/80R16 compared with 265/70R16

+6.8% diameter, 0.0" width

265/80R16 is 32.69" tall vs 30.61". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

30.6"16" rim7.3"10.4" wide
265/70R16 (solid) compared with 265/80R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/80R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.1 mph

265/80R16 is +2.09 inches (+6.8%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

265/70R16265/80R16Difference%
Overall diameter30.61"32.69"+2.09"+6.8%
Section width10.43"10.43"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height7.30"8.35"+1.04"+14.3%
Circumference96.15"102.71"+6.56"+6.8%
Revolutions per mile659.0616.9−42.1−6.4%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 265/70R16 and you fit 265/80R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.4 mph+1.4 mph
30 mph32.0 mph+2.0 mph
40 mph42.7 mph+2.7 mph
50 mph53.4 mph+3.4 mph
60 mph64.1 mph+4.1 mph
65 mph69.4 mph+4.4 mph
70 mph74.8 mph+4.8 mph
75 mph80.1 mph+5.1 mph
80 mph85.5 mph+5.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 265/70R16 or 265/80R16?
265/80R16 is taller by 2.09 inches (32.69" vs 30.61"). 265/70R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 265/70R16 with 265/80R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.8%, 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 265/80R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/80R16 fitted (calibrated for 265/70R16), your real speed is 64.1 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.8%.
Will 265/80R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.04 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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