Tire Size Box

275/55R16 vs 295/55R16

295/55R16 compared with 275/55R16

+3.1% diameter, +0.8" width

295/55R16 is 28.78" tall vs 27.91". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.9"16" rim6.0"10.8" wide
275/55R16 (solid) compared with 295/55R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 295/55R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.9 mph

295/55R16 is +0.87 inches (+3.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

275/55R16295/55R16Difference%
Overall diameter27.91"28.78"+0.87"+3.1%
Section width10.83"11.61"+0.79"+7.3%
Sidewall height5.95"6.39"+0.43"+7.3%
Circumference87.68"90.40"+2.72"+3.1%
Revolutions per mile722.6700.9−21.8−3.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 275/55R16 and you fit 295/55R16, 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 mph41.2 mph+1.2 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 mph77.3 mph+2.3 mph
80 mph82.5 mph+2.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 275/55R16 or 295/55R16?
295/55R16 is taller by 0.87 inches (28.78" vs 27.91"). 295/55R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 275/55R16 with 295/55R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.1%, 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 295/55R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 295/55R16 fitted (calibrated for 275/55R16), your real speed is 61.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.1%.
Will 295/55R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.43 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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