Tire Size Box

285/55R16 vs 285/65R16

285/65R16 compared with 285/55R16

+7.9% diameter, 0.0" width

285/65R16 is 30.59" tall vs 28.34". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

28.3"16" rim6.2"11.2" wide
285/55R16 (solid) compared with 285/65R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 285/65R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.8 mph

285/65R16 is +2.24 inches (+7.9%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

285/55R16285/65R16Difference%
Overall diameter28.34"30.59"+2.24"+7.9%
Section width11.22"11.22"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height6.17"7.29"+1.12"+18.2%
Circumference89.04"96.09"+7.05"+7.9%
Revolutions per mile711.6659.4−52.2−7.3%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 285/55R16 and you fit 285/65R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.6 mph+1.6 mph
30 mph32.4 mph+2.4 mph
40 mph43.2 mph+3.2 mph
50 mph54.0 mph+4.0 mph
60 mph64.8 mph+4.8 mph
65 mph70.1 mph+5.1 mph
70 mph75.5 mph+5.5 mph
75 mph80.9 mph+5.9 mph
80 mph86.3 mph+6.3 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 285/55R16 or 285/65R16?
285/65R16 is taller by 2.24 inches (30.59" vs 28.34"). 285/55R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 285/55R16 with 285/65R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +7.9%, 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 285/65R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 285/65R16 fitted (calibrated for 285/55R16), your real speed is 64.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 7.9%.
Will 285/65R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.12 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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