225/70R16 vs 245/70R16

245/70R16 is 1.10 inches (3.9%) taller than 225/70R16 and 0.79 inches wider. Here are both sizes side by side, drawn to scale.

Last updated · Calculated from the sidewall code · Sources

Tire sizes

Type it as it appears on the sidewall: 275/60R20, LT265/70R17 or 33x12.50R20.

Difference in height
+1.10″
245/70R16 vs 225/70R16
225/70R16245/70R16Difference
Overall diameter28.4″ 721 mm29.5″ 749 mm+1.10″ (+3.9%)
Section width8.9″ 225 mm9.6″ 245 mm+0.79″
Sidewall height6.20″ 158 mm6.75″ 172 mm+0.55″
Wheel (rim) diameter16″16″same
Circumference89.2″ 2266 mm92.7″ 2354 mm+3.5″
Revolutions per mile710684−27
Ground clearance+0.55″
225/70R1628.4″ × 8.9″28.4″245/70R1629.5″ × 9.6″29.5″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

245/70R16 is 1.10″ taller (3.9%) and 0.79″ wider than 225/70R16. With a speedometer set up for 225/70R16, an indicated 60 mph is really 62.3 mph on 245/70R16, so the gauge reads 3.9% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.55″.

A 3.9% difference is more than the ±3% shops commonly use as a limit: plan to recalibrate the speedometer, check clearance (and lift or leveling needs), and consider regearing if it's a big jump.

Speedometer showsReal speed on 245/70R16
30 mph31.2 mph
45 mph46.7 mph
60 mph62.3 mph
70 mph72.7 mph
80 mph83.1 mph

What changes when you switch to 245/70R16

Sizes are theoretical, from the sidewall code. The same size can differ by a few tenths of an inch between brands and tread patterns; check the maker’s spec sheet for the exact model.

Other comparisons

Frequently asked questions

How much bigger is 245/70R16 than 225/70R16?

245/70R16 is 1.10 inches (3.9%) taller and 0.79 inches wider: 29.5" × 9.6" versus 28.4" × 8.9".

Will 245/70R16 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 3.9%. Going from 225/70R16 to 245/70R16, an indicated 60 mph is about 62.3 mph.

Can I replace 225/70R16 with 245/70R16?

Possibly, but the height difference is over 3%, so check clearance and plan to recalibrate the speedometer. Both fit a 16" wheel; confirm the rim width, load index and clearance for your vehicle.

Do I need to regear going from 225/70R16 to 245/70R16?

Usually not for a 3.9% change. With 3.73 gears, the 245/70R16 acts like 3.59.

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