265/65R17 vs 275/70R16
275/70R16 has an overall diameter of 791.4 mm (31.16") compared with 776.3 mm (30.56") for 265/65R17, a difference of +15.1 mm (+1.95 %). The sidewall changes by +20.3 mm, section width by +10 mm and ride height by +7.6 mm. Using the ETRTO rolling circumference, 265/65R17 turns 422 times per kilometre and 275/70R16 turns 414 times. With 275/70R16 fitted to a car calibrated for 265/65R17, an indicated 100 km/h is a true 101.9 km/h, and the odometer records 98.1 km for every 100 km driven. This is within the commonly quoted 3 % tolerance.
Full comparison
| Measurement | 265/65R17 | 275/70R16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section width | 265 mm | 275 mm | +10 mm |
| Sidewall height | 172.3 mm | 192.5 mm | +20.3 mm |
| Rim diameter | 17" | 16" | -1.0" |
| Overall diameter | 776.3 mm (30.56") | 791.4 mm (31.16") | +15.1 mm (+1.95 %) |
| Static circumference | 2439 mm | 2486 mm | +47 mm |
| Rolling circumference (ETRTO) | 2368 mm | 2414 mm | +46 mm |
| Revs per km | 422 | 414 | -8 |
| Ride height | +7.6 mm | ||
| Inch equivalent | 30.6×10.4R17 | 31.2×10.8R16 | |
| Approved rim widths (approx.) | 7.5″–9″ | 7.5″–9″ |
Speedometer error
| Speedo reads | 40 | 50 | 60 | 80 | 100 | 110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual speed (km/h) | 40.8 | 51.0 | 61.2 | 81.6 | 101.9 | 112.1 |
| Error (km/h) | +0.8 | +1.0 | +1.2 | +1.6 | +1.9 | +2.1 |
Assumes the speedo was accurate on 265/65R17. Odometer records 98.1 km for every 100 km actually driven.
- The 275/70R16 is 15.1 mm (1.95 %) larger in diameter, so your speedo will read low and your odometer will under-record distance.
- Section width changes by +10 mm. Check guard, strut and inner-arch clearance and that the rim width is within the approved range for the new tyre.
- Rim diameter changes from 17" to 16", so new wheels are required.
Is 275/70R16 legal in Australia? Needs certification
| Overall diameter (VSB 14 LS 4.2.4) 275/70R16 is 15.1 mm larger than 265/65R17; the limit without certification for a passenger car (MA/MB) is +15 mm. Larger increases need an approved signatory / engineering certificate (modification code LS or state equivalent) and may not be permitted at all. | Cert. |
| Speedometer (ADR 18/03) A larger tyre makes the speedo read lower: at an indicated 100 km/h you would be doing 101.9 km/h. ADR 18 requires the speedo never to read below true speed, but factory speedos typically over-read by 2-6 %, so a 1.9 % increase is usually absorbed. Verify with a GPS speed app after fitting. | Verify |
| Load index (tyre placard / ADR 42) Enter the placard load index and the replacement tyre load index to check. | ? |
| Speed rating (tyre placard / ADR 42) Enter the placard speed rating and the replacement tyre speed rating to check. | ? |
Frequently asked
Can I fit 275/70R16 instead of 265/65R17?
Overall diameter changes by +15.1 mm (+1.95 %). That is within the usual 3 % rule of thumb, so it is generally an acceptable swap provided the load index and speed rating meet your tyre placard and the tyre suits your rim width. In Australia VSB 14 allows up to +15 mm for passenger cars and +50 mm for 4WDs/goods vehicles without certification.
How much will my speedo be out with 275/70R16?
Your speedo will read low by about 1.95 %. At an indicated 100 km/h you would actually be travelling 101.9 km/h, and at 110 km/h about 112.1 km/h.
What is the rolling circumference of 275/70R16?
Static circumference is 2486 mm; the ETRTO rolling circumference under load is about 2414 mm, which is 414 revolutions per kilometre.
275/70R16 in inches
275/70R16 is approximately 31.2×10.8R16: 31.2" tall, 10.8" wide, on a 16" rim, with a 7.6" sidewall.
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