255/85R16 vs 285/75R16: full comparison
| Measurement | 255/85R16 | 285/75R16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 33.07 in | 32.83 in | −0.24 in−0.7% |
| Section width | 10.04 in | 11.22 in | +1.18 in+11.8% |
| Sidewall height | 8.53 in | 8.42 in | −0.12 in−1.4% |
| Circumference | 103.88 in | 103.14 in | −0.74 in−0.7% |
| Revs per mile | 610 | 614 | +4+0.7% |
Speedometer: indicated vs actual speed
With 285/75R16 fitted where 255/85R16 was the stock/calibrated size:
| Speedometer shows | Actual speed | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 20 mph | 19.9 mph | −0.1 mph |
| 30 mph | 29.8 mph | −0.2 mph |
| 40 mph | 39.7 mph | −0.3 mph |
| 50 mph | 49.6 mph | −0.4 mph |
| 55 mph | 54.6 mph | −0.4 mph |
| 60 mph | 59.6 mph | −0.4 mph |
| 65 mph | 64.5 mph | −0.5 mph |
| 70 mph | 69.5 mph | −0.5 mph |
| 75 mph | 74.5 mph | −0.5 mph |
| 80 mph | 79.4 mph | −0.6 mph |
Recalculate for a gear ratio change too →
Will 285/75R16 fit where 255/85R16 was?
At −0.7%, 285/75R16 is within the ±3% most tire shops and manufacturers accept without recalibrating the speedometer or expecting rubbing -- it should generally bolt on, though wheel width, offset, and suspension travel still matter.
Related tire size comparisons
- 265/75R16 vs 285/75R16
- 285/75R16 vs 305/70R16
- 285/75R16 vs 315/75R16
- 245/75R16 vs 285/75R16
- 285/70R17 vs 285/75R16
More tire tools
- Tire size comparison tool: compare any two sizes yourself, including flotation sizes.
- Tire size calculator: full dimensions of one size, plus every equivalent size within 3%.
- Speedometer calculator: true speed after a tire or gear ratio change.
Frequently asked questions
How much bigger is 285/75R16 than 255/85R16?
285/75R16 is 0.24 in shorter in overall diameter (−0.7%) and 1.18 in wider in section width (+11.8%) than 255/85R16.
Will 285/75R16 fit in place of 255/85R16?
At −0.7%, 285/75R16 is within the ±3% most tire shops and manufacturers accept without recalibrating the speedometer or expecting rubbing -- it should generally bolt on, though wheel width, offset, and suspension travel still matter.
Does swapping to 285/75R16 affect my speedometer?
With 285/75R16 fitted where 255/85R16 was calibrated, an indicated 60 mph is really about 59.6 mph. That small a difference is within the ±3% most shops treat as close enough not to recalibrate.
Does 285/75R16 change the ride height?
Yes -- half the diameter difference shows up at the axle, so 285/75R16 changes ride height by about 0.12 in lower compared with 255/85R16.
Do 255/85R16 and 285/75R16 use the same wheel (rim) diameter?
Yes -- both fit a 16 inch wheel, so only the tire itself changes, not the wheel.