Tire Size Box

275/75R16 vs 275/85R16

275/85R16 compared with 275/75R16

+6.7% diameter, 0.0" width

275/85R16 is 34.41" tall vs 32.24". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

32.2"16" rim8.1"10.8" wide
275/75R16 (solid) compared with 275/85R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 275/85R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.0 mph

275/85R16 is +2.17 inches (+6.7%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

275/75R16275/85R16Difference%
Overall diameter32.24"34.41"+2.17"+6.7%
Section width10.83"10.83"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height8.12"9.20"+1.08"+13.3%
Circumference101.29"108.09"+6.80"+6.7%
Revolutions per mile625.6586.2−39.4−6.3%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 275/75R16 and you fit 275/85R16, 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 mph42.7 mph+2.7 mph
50 mph53.4 mph+3.4 mph
60 mph64.0 mph+4.0 mph
65 mph69.4 mph+4.4 mph
70 mph74.7 mph+4.7 mph
75 mph80.0 mph+5.0 mph
80 mph85.4 mph+5.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 275/75R16 or 275/85R16?
275/85R16 is taller by 2.17 inches (34.41" vs 32.24"). 275/75R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 275/75R16 with 275/85R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.7%, 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 275/85R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 275/85R16 fitted (calibrated for 275/75R16), your real speed is 64.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.7%.
Will 275/85R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.08 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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