Tire Size Box

295/55R16 vs 295/65R16

295/65R16 compared with 295/55R16

+8.1% diameter, 0.0" width

295/65R16 is 31.10" tall vs 28.78". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

28.8"16" rim6.4"11.6" wide
295/55R16 (solid) compared with 295/65R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 295/65R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.8 mph

295/65R16 is +2.32 inches (+8.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

295/55R16295/65R16Difference%
Overall diameter28.78"31.10"+2.32"+8.1%
Section width11.61"11.61"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height6.39"7.55"+1.16"+18.2%
Circumference90.40"97.70"+7.30"+8.1%
Revolutions per mile700.9648.5−52.4−7.5%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 295/55R16 and you fit 295/65R16, 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 mph70.2 mph+5.2 mph
70 mph75.7 mph+5.7 mph
75 mph81.1 mph+6.1 mph
80 mph86.5 mph+6.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 295/55R16 or 295/65R16?
295/65R16 is taller by 2.32 inches (31.10" vs 28.78"). 295/55R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 295/55R16 with 295/65R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +8.1%, 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 295/65R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 295/65R16 fitted (calibrated for 295/55R16), your real speed is 64.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 8.1%.
Will 295/65R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.16 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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