CarSpecsHQ

235/75R16 vs 275/70R16

275/70R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/75R16: the diameter differs by +4.28%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

16" rim
235/75R16 29.88" · 275/70R16 31.16" · drawn to scale

Side by side

235/75R16275/70R16Difference
Overall diameter29.88"31.16"+1.28" (+4.28%)
Section width235 mm275 mm+40 mm
Sidewall6.94"7.58"+0.64"
Rim16"16"same
Circumference93.9"97.9"+4.0"
Revs per mile675647-28
Ride height——+0.64"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.6+2.6 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.6 mph

With 275/70R16 on a car calibrated for 235/75R16, the speedometer reads 57.5 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.3%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.3 mph
45 mph46.9 mph
60 mph62.6 mph
70 mph73.0 mph
80 mph83.4 mph

Other sizes close to 235/75R16

Questions

Can I replace 235/75R16 with 275/70R16?

275/70R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/75R16: the diameter differs by +4.28%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 235/75R16 and 275/70R16?

275/70R16 is 1.28" taller and 40 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.64". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.6 mph.

Will 275/70R16 fit on 235/75R16 wheels?

Both use a 16" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 275 mm tire and the fender clearance.