Tire Size Box

285/80R15 vs 255/85R16

255/85R16 compared with 285/80R15

+0.3% diameter, −1.2" width

255/85R16 is 33.07" tall vs 32.95". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

33.0"15" rim9.0"11.2" wide
285/80R15 (solid) compared with 255/85R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 255/85R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

60.2 mph

255/85R16 is +0.11 inches (+0.3%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

285/80R15255/85R16Difference%
Overall diameter32.95"33.07"+0.11"+0.3%
Section width11.22"10.04"−1.18"−10.5%
Sidewall height8.98"8.53"−0.44"−4.9%
Circumference103.52"103.88"+0.36"+0.3%
Revolutions per mile612.0609.9−2.1−0.3%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 285/80R15 and you fit 255/85R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.1 mph+0.1 mph
30 mph30.1 mph+0.1 mph
40 mph40.1 mph+0.1 mph
50 mph50.2 mph+0.2 mph
60 mph60.2 mph+0.2 mph
65 mph65.2 mph+0.2 mph
70 mph70.2 mph+0.2 mph
75 mph75.3 mph+0.3 mph
80 mph80.3 mph+0.3 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 285/80R15 or 255/85R16?
255/85R16 is taller by 0.11 inches (33.07" vs 32.95"). 285/80R15 is wider by 1.18 inches.
Can I replace 285/80R15 with 255/85R16?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +0.3%, inside the 3% rule of thumb most tire shops use. Check that the wider or taller tire clears your suspension and fenders, and that its load index meets your placard.
How much will 255/85R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 255/85R16 fitted (calibrated for 285/80R15), your real speed is 60.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 0.3%.
Will 255/85R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.06 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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