33x10.50R15 vs 255/85R16
255/85R16 is a safe swap for 33x10.50R15 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.20%.
Side by side
| 33x10.50R15 | 255/85R16 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 33.00" | 33.07" | +0.07" (+0.20%) |
| Section width | 267 mm | 255 mm | -12 mm |
| Sidewall | 9.00" | 8.53" | -0.47" |
| Rim | 15" | 16" | +1" |
| Circumference | 103.7" | 103.9" | +0.2" |
| Revs per mile | 611 | 610 | -1 |
| Ride height | — | — | +0.03" |
| Speedometer reads 60 mph | 60.0 | 60.1 | +0.1 mph |
Speedometer and odometer
With 255/85R16 on a car calibrated for 33x10.50R15, the speedometer reads 59.9 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 0.2%.
| Speedo shows | Actual speed |
|---|---|
| 30 mph | 30.1 mph |
| 45 mph | 45.1 mph |
| 60 mph | 60.1 mph |
| 70 mph | 70.1 mph |
| 80 mph | 80.2 mph |
Other sizes close to 33x10.50R15
Questions
Can I replace 33x10.50R15 with 255/85R16?
255/85R16 is a safe swap for 33x10.50R15 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.20%.
What's the difference between 33x10.50R15 and 255/85R16?
255/85R16 is 0.07" taller and 12 mm narrower; the sidewall is -0.47". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.1 mph.
Will 255/85R16 fit on 33x10.50R15 wheels?
No — 33x10.50R15 needs a 15" wheel and 255/85R16 a 16" wheel. This is a plus/minus-size swap that changes wheels too.