ElpiAuto

Tire size comparison

235/85R16 vs 315/75R16

315/75R16 is 2.87″ (73 mm) taller than 235/85R16, a 9.1% difference in overall diameter — outside the ±3% band, so expect the speedometer to drift and check for rubbing before fitting.

The section widths are very different — these are not a like-for-like swap. Confirm wheel width and arch clearance separately.

31.73″34.60″A  235/85R16B  315/75R16Both sizes to scale · dimension lines in inches
Measurement235/85R16315/75R16Difference%
Overall diameter31.73″34.60″+2.87″+9.1%
Section width9.25″12.40″+3.15″+34.0%
Sidewall height7.86″9.30″+1.44″+18.3%
Circumference99.68″108.71″+9.03″+9.1%
Revs per mile635.6582.9−52.8−8.3%
Revs per km395.0362.2−32.8−8.3%

Speedometer: with 235/85R16 as the original, 315/75R16 makes an indicated 60 mph really about 65.4 mph, and the axle sits ~1.44″ higher.

Reading this comparison

The overall diameter is what matters here: 315/75R16 is the taller tire. It sets ride height, gearing and how far the tire travels per revolution — which is what the speedometer and odometer count. Width and sidewall change fit and feel (a wider tire needs a wider wheel and more clearance; a shorter sidewall sharpens steering) but not the gearing.

Figures are geometric estimates from the size codes; real moulded tires vary by brand by 1–3%. Confirm load rating, wheel width and physical clearance on your vehicle before fitting. To compare any other two sizes, use the tire size comparison tool; to decode one size and see what else fits its wheel, the tire size calculator.

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