295/40R16 vs 285/45R16

285/45R16 compared with 295/40R16

+3.2% diameter, −0.4" width

285/45R16 is 26.10" tall vs 25.29". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.3"16" rim4.6"11.6" wide
295/40R16 (solid) compared with 285/45R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 285/45R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.9 mph

285/45R16 is +0.81 inches (+3.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

295/40R16285/45R16Difference%
Overall diameter25.29"26.10"+0.81"+3.2%
Section width11.61"11.22"−0.39"−3.4%
Sidewall height4.65"5.05"+0.40"+8.7%
Circumference79.46"81.99"+2.54"+3.2%
Revolutions per mile797.4772.8−24.7−3.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 295/40R16 and you fit 285/45R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.6 mph+0.6 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.6 mph+1.6 mph
60 mph61.9 mph+1.9 mph
65 mph67.1 mph+2.1 mph
70 mph72.2 mph+2.2 mph
75 mph77.4 mph+2.4 mph
80 mph82.6 mph+2.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 295/40R16 or 285/45R16?
285/45R16 is taller by 0.81 inches (26.10" vs 25.29"). 295/40R16 is wider by 0.39 inches.
Can I replace 295/40R16 with 285/45R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.2%, 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 285/45R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 285/45R16 fitted (calibrated for 295/40R16), your real speed is 61.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.2%.
Will 285/45R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.40 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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