Tire Size Box

265/75R16 vs 265/85R16

265/85R16 compared with 265/75R16

+6.6% diameter, 0.0" width

265/85R16 is 33.74" tall vs 31.65". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

31.6"16" rim7.8"10.4" wide
265/75R16 (solid) compared with 265/85R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/85R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.0 mph

265/85R16 is +2.09 inches (+6.6%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

265/75R16265/85R16Difference%
Overall diameter31.65"33.74"+2.09"+6.6%
Section width10.43"10.43"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height7.82"8.87"+1.04"+13.3%
Circumference99.43"105.99"+6.56"+6.6%
Revolutions per mile637.2597.8−39.4−6.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 265/75R16 and you fit 265/85R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.3 mph+1.3 mph
30 mph32.0 mph+2.0 mph
40 mph42.6 mph+2.6 mph
50 mph53.3 mph+3.3 mph
60 mph64.0 mph+4.0 mph
65 mph69.3 mph+4.3 mph
70 mph74.6 mph+4.6 mph
75 mph79.9 mph+4.9 mph
80 mph85.3 mph+5.3 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 265/75R16 or 265/85R16?
265/85R16 is taller by 2.09 inches (33.74" vs 31.65"). 265/75R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 265/75R16 with 265/85R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.6%, 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 265/85R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/85R16 fitted (calibrated for 265/75R16), your real speed is 64.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.6%.
Will 265/85R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.04 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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