GarageCalc What 265/70R16 means
265 is the section width in millimeters (10.4 in). 70 is the aspect ratio: the sidewall is 70 percent of the width, so 265 × 0.70 = 186 mm (7.3 in). R is radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches (406 mm). Stack two sidewalls on the wheel and you get the overall diameter: 406 + 2 × 186 = 777 mm, or 30.6 in.
A full marking adds a load index and speed rating after the size, for example 265/70R16 91V. Those two codes set how much weight and speed the tire is certified for; look them up in the load index chart and the speed rating chart.
Plus and minus sizing from 265/70R16
Going up one wheel size, the closest match is 265/65R17 at -0.1% diameter with a 172 mm sidewall instead of 186 mm. No common 15-inch size stays within 3 percent either. Anything inside 3 percent keeps the speedometer, ABS and gearing effectively stock; the comparison calculator shows the full speedometer table for any pair.
Which cars come with 265/70R16
Typical factory fitments include Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road (2016 on), Toyota 4Runner (1996-2002) and Nissan Frontier SV (2009-2021). Tire size changes with trim and wheel option, so confirm on the door-jamb placard before buying.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is a 265/70R16 tire?
30.6 inches (777 mm) in overall diameter: the 16-inch wheel (406 mm) plus two 186 mm sidewalls. Real tires land within about 1 to 2 percent of that depending on brand, tread depth and pressure.
What is 265/70R16 in inches?
30.6 x 10.4 R16: 30.6 inches tall, 10.4 inches wide, on a 16-inch wheel. The sidewall is 7.3 inches and the circumference is 96.2 inches, so the tire turns 659 times per mile.
What tire sizes are equivalent to 265/70R16?
Within 3 percent of the same diameter on the same 16-inch wheel: 245/75R16 (-0.5%), 255/70R16 (-1.8%), 275/70R16 (+1.8%); on a 17-inch wheel: 265/65R17 (-0.1%), 245/70R17 (-0.3%). The percentage is the diameter change, which is also your speedometer error.
Can I use 275/70R16 instead of 265/70R16?
Dimensionally yes: 275/70R16 is 1.8% taller (+14 mm) and 10 mm wider, and at a true 60 mph the speedometer would read 58.9 mph. The extra width needs about 0.20 in of clearance on each side of the tire and a rim width that suits 275 mm.