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255/70R17 vs 265/70R16 tire size comparison

255/70R17265/70R16

265/70R16 is 0.5 in (1.45%) shorter than 255/70R17 and 0.4 in wider. They fit different wheels: 255/70R17 a 17-inch wheel and 265/70R16 a 16-inch wheel.

255/70R17 and 265/70R16 side by side

-0.5 in / -1.45%255/70R17: 31.1 in tall, solid line265/70R16: 30.6 in tall, dashed line255/70R17Width 10.0 in (255 mm)Sidewall 7.0 in (179 mm)265/70R16Width 10.4 in (265 mm)Sidewall 7.3 in (186 mm)
255/70R17 is drawn with a solid line and 265/70R16 with a dashed line. In each drawing both tires are to the same scale; the tread shoulder and bead curves are simplified. The table below has the same numbers.
Dimensions of 255/70R17 and 265/70R16, with the difference (265/70R16 minus 255/70R17)
Measurement255/70R17265/70R16DifferenceDifference %
Section width10.0 in (255 mm)10.4 in (265 mm)+0.4 in (+10 mm)+3.92%
Sidewall height7.0 in (179 mm)7.3 in (186 mm)+0.3 in (+7 mm)+3.92%
Wheel (rim) diameter17.0 in (432 mm)16.0 in (406 mm)-1.0 in (-26 mm)-5.88%
Overall diameter31.1 in (789 mm)30.6 in (777 mm)-0.5 in (-12 mm)-1.45%
Circumference97.6 in (2478 mm)96.2 in (2442 mm)-1.4 in (-36 mm)-1.45%
Revolutions per mile649659+10+1.47%

Differences are 265/70R16 minus 255/70R17; percentages are relative to 255/70R17. These are nominal design dimensions. Real tires vary by brand, tread depth, wheel width, load and pressure.

The overall diameter differs by 1.45%, which is within the common 3% rule of thumb.

The rule of thumb keeps a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. It covers diameter only. It is not a fit, load or safety check, because width, wheel diameter, load capacity and clearance matter too. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.

Speedometer difference

When the speedometer reads 60 mph on a vehicle built for 255/70R17, the actual speed on 265/70R16 is about 59.1 mph. When it reads 60 mph on a vehicle built for 265/70R16, the actual speed on 255/70R17 is about 60.9 mph. These figures assume the speedometer is accurate on the original size and use nominal dimensions, so treat them as estimates.

Actual speed for a given speedometer reading, 255/70R17 against 265/70R16
Speedometer readsActual on 265/70R16 (built for 255/70R17)Actual on 255/70R17 (built for 265/70R16)
20 mph19.7 mph20.3 mph
30 mph29.6 mph30.4 mph
40 mph39.4 mph40.6 mph
50 mph49.3 mph50.7 mph
60 mph59.1 mph60.9 mph
70 mph69.0 mph71.0 mph
80 mph78.8 mph81.2 mph

A common rule of thumb is to keep a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. Check the tire placard on the driver's door jamb and your owner's manual for the sizes your vehicle was built for. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.

Which vehicles use each size?

These vehicles list the size among their verified sizes, by trim. Open one to see all of its sizes.

Check it in the calculator

The calculator takes the same two sizes and shows the full comparison, or lets you swap either one for another size.

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Shop for 255/70R17 or 265/70R16 tires

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Other comparisons with 255/70R17

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 255/70R17 in overall diameter.

Other comparisons with 265/70R16

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 265/70R16 in overall diameter.

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