Data sheet TS-C06 · Comparison
265/75R16 vs 285/75R16
285/75R16 is nominally 1.18 in taller than 265/75R16, a 3.7% diameter increase. It is also wider, adds 0.59 in (15 mm) of axle ground clearance and turns fewer revolutions per mile.
Fig. 1 — Cross-section, size 2
Table 1 — Data
285/75R16 is 32.83″ tall, +3.73% against 265/75R16. At 60 mph on the dial you drive 62.2 mph.
| Item | 265/75R16 | 285/75R16 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOverall diameter | 31.65″ | 32.83″ | +3.73% |
| ASection width | 10.43″ | 11.22″ | +0.79″ |
| BSidewall | 7.82″ | 8.42″ | +0.59″ |
| CRim | 16″ | 16″ | same |
| Revs per mile | 637 | 614 | −23 |
| Dial 60 mph = | 60.0 | 62.2 | +3.7% |
| Axle height | 15.82″ | 16.42″ | +0.59″ |
+3.73% — outside the ±3% rule of thumb tire shops use. Expect a speedometer error, and check clearance at full lock and full compression before you buy.
Where to buy 285/75R16 ↓Fig. 2
Side view and width, to scale
Size 1 dashed, size 2 solid, on one ground line.
265/75R16285/75R16
Table 2 — Speedometer
| Dial shows | True speed | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 30 mph | 31.1 mph | +1.1 |
| 45 mph | 46.7 mph | +1.7 |
| 60 mph | 62.2 mph | +2.2 |
| 70 mph | 72.6 mph | +2.6 |
| 80 mph | 83.0 mph | +3.0 |
Engine RPM at the same road speed: −3.6%. Gear ratio calculator
Table 3
Published dimensions
From each maker’s size table. A tire is listed only with a source.
The math says 32.83″. 15 tires from 5 makers measure 32.80″–33.10″. Tallest here: Kumho Road Venture MT71 (mud-terrain), 33.10″. Check the maker’s number before you buy for a tight fit.
| Tire | Type | Diameter | Width | Rims, in | Weight | Tread | Max load |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firestone Destination X/Tfirestonetire.com · Oct 15, 2026 | LT · E 126R | 32.80″ | — | 7.5–9.0 | 51.8 lb | 16.0/32″ | — |
| Firestone Destination M/T2firestonetire.com · Oct 15, 2026 | LT · E 126Q | 32.80″ | — | 7.5–9.0 | 59.9 lb | 20.0/32″ | — |
| Kumho Road Venture AT52kumhotireusa.com · Oct 15, 2026 | LT · E 126/123R | 32.80″ | 11.30″ | 7.5–9.5 | 53.9 lb | 16.0/32″ | 3,750 lb @ 80 psi |
| Toyo Open Country R/T Trailtoyotires.com · Oct 15, 2026 | LT · E 126/123Q | 32.80″ | 11.30″ | 7.5–9.5 | 61.0 lb | 16.5/32″ | 3,750 lb @ 80 psi |
| Toyo Open Country H/T IItoyotires.com · Oct 15, 2026 | LT · E 126/123S | 32.80″ | 11.30″ | 7.5–9.0 | 56.0 lb | 15.8/32″ | 3,750 lb @ 80 psi |
| Firestone Winterforce LTfirestonetire.com · Oct 15, 2026 | LT · E 126R | 32.83″ | — | 7.5–9.0 | 53.8 lb | 19.0/32″ | — |
| Nitto Ridge Grapplernittotire.com · Oct 15, 2026 | LT · E 126/123Q | 32.83″ | 11.26″ | 7.5–9.5 | 61.7 lb | 16.4/32″ | 3,750 lb @ 80 psi |
| Nitto Dura Grapplernittotire.com · Oct 15, 2026 | LT · E 126/123R | 32.87″ | 11.50″ | 7.5–9.5 | 58.0 lb | 16.9/32″ | 3,750 lb @ 80 psi |
| Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/Tmickeythompsontires.com · Oct 15, 2026 | LT · E 126Q | 32.90″ | 11.70″ | 7.5–9.5 | 66.0 lb | 18.5/32″ | 3,750 lb @ 80 psi |
| Mickey Thompson Baja Legend EXPmickeythompsontires.com · Oct 15, 2026 | LT · E 126Q | 33.00″ | 11.30″ | 7.5–9.5 | 57.0 lb | 18.5/32″ | 3,750 lb @ 80 psi |
§ 1
How much taller and wider is it?
By the formula, diameter increases from 31.6 in (804 mm) to 32.8 in (834 mm). Section width increases from 10.4 to 11.2 in, a 20 mm increase. Sidewall height rises from 7.8 to 8.4 in, a 15 mm increase.
Nominal revolutions per mile fall from 637 to 614. The scale drawing and differences table show these unloaded dimensions; actual tires measure differently.
§ 2
How do speed and gearing change?
With calibration unchanged, the formula gives 62.2 mph true at 60 mph indicated after the change. At 100 km/h indicated, true speed is 103.7 km/h. Actual distance traveled is likewise 3.7% greater than the odometer indicates; the speedometer table shows more examples.
At 65 mph with a 3.73 axle ratio and 1.00 transmission gear, calculated engine speed drops from 2,575 to 2,482 rpm, or 3.6%. By the formula only, an axle ratio of 3.87 restores the original engine speed: 3.73 × 32.83 / 31.65. The gear ratio calculator shows the relationship.
§ 3
What do the maker tables show?
Across Firestone, Nitto, Kumho, Toyo and Mickey Thompson size tables, the listed 265/75R16 selection totals 26 tires: 17 LT and 9 P-metric or passenger versions. Published diameters range from 31.65 to 32 in, with load ranges SL and E.
The same makers list 15 tires in 285/75R16, all LT versions in load range E. Published diameters range from 32.8 to 33.1 in. For model-specific examples, Toyo lists 31.7 in for the Open Country A/T III in LT265/75R16, while Nitto lists 32.83 in for the Ridge Grappler in LT285/75R16.
§ 4
Which dimensions matter for the change?
The taller 285/75R16 adds nominal axle ground clearance and lowers engine rpm at the same road speed. The shorter 265/75R16 has less diameter and a narrower section to accommodate. Fit depends on the vehicle, wheels and suspension.
Compare the measured models rather than treating the size label as an exact measurement. The listed load ranges also differ: SL and E for 265/75R16, versus E for 285/75R16.
Table 4
Sizes within 3% of 285/75R16
Same rim or ±1″, diameter within 3%. A shop rule of thumb, not a law.
| Size | Diameter | Width | vs 285/75R16 | At 60 mph | Clearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 305/70R16 | 32.81″ | 12.0″ | −0.1% | 60.0 | −0.01″ |
| 285/70R17 | 32.71″ | 11.2″ | −0.4% | 59.8 | −0.06″ |
| 33x10.50R15 | 33.00″ | 10.5″ | +0.5% | 60.3 | +0.08″ |
| 33x11.50R16 | 33.00″ | 11.5″ | +0.5% | 60.3 | +0.08″ |
| 33x11.50R17 | 33.00″ | 11.5″ | +0.5% | 60.3 | +0.08″ |
| 33x12.50R15 | 33.00″ | 12.5″ | +0.5% | 60.3 | +0.08″ |
| 33x12.50R17 | 33.00″ | 12.5″ | +0.5% | 60.3 | +0.08″ |
| 33x13.50R15 | 33.00″ | 13.5″ | +0.5% | 60.3 | +0.08″ |
| 305/65R17 | 32.61″ | 12.0″ | −0.7% | 59.6 | −0.11″ |
| 255/80R17 | 33.06″ | 10.0″ | +0.7% | 60.4 | +0.12″ |
Size sheets
Q&A
Common questions
Is 285/75R16 within 3% of 265/75R16?
No. Its nominal diameter increase is 3.7%, outside the ±3% window. That window is a tire-shop rule of thumb, not a law or vehicle maker specification.
How much axle clearance does 285/75R16 add?
By the formula, it adds 0.59 in (15 mm) compared with 265/75R16.
Do both sizes use the same rim diameter?
Both sizes specify a nominal 16 in (406 mm) rim diameter. Approved rim widths depend on the particular tire; consult the maker's listing.
Notes
Method and sources
Each number and rule comes from a source with the date it was checked.
- Sidewall = width × aspect ratio ÷ 100
- Diameter = rim × 25.4 + 2 × sidewall (mm)
- Revs per mile = 63,360 ÷ (π × diameter, in)
- True speed = dial × new diameter ÷ old diameter
- Clearance change = half the diameter change
Numbers are nominal: the tire unloaded, on its measuring rim. Revs per mile published by makers run higher than the formula. “Within 3%” is a rule of thumb tire shops use, not a law. Tire pressure: the placard on your door jamb.
- Toyo: size table (toyotires.com)checked Oct 15, 2026
- Nitto: size table (nittotire.com)checked Oct 15, 2026
- 49 CFR 571.139 (FMVSS No. 139), S4.1ecfr.gov · checked Oct 15, 2026
Related
Calculators and size classes
- Tire size calculatorTwo sizes: diameter, sidewall, revs and speedometer.
- Compare up to 4 sizesUp to four sizes side by side, drawn to scale.
- Metric ↔ inchesMetric to inches, and 33x12.50R20 to metric.
- Speedometer errorTrue speed after a size change.
- Gear ratio and RPMEngine RPM and the ratio to regear to.
- Wheel offset and pokeBackspacing, poke and inner clearance.
- DOT date codeHow old a tire is, from the DOT number.
- Load index chartLoad index in pounds and kilograms.
- Bolt patternMeasure it, convert inches to mm.
- Rim size and tire fitWhat 17x8 ET35 means, which sizes go on it.
- What fits my carStart from the placard on the door.
- Tire size chartCommon sizes in inches, by rim.