Tire size
255/85R16 in inches
A 255/85R16 tire is 33.1 inches tall and 10.0 inches wide, on a 16-inch wheel. Written inch-style that is about 33.1x10.0R16 (an equivalent, not a size on sale). It rounds to a 33-inch tire.
| 255/85R16 | Inches | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter (height) | 33.1 in | 840 mm |
| Section width | 10.0 in | 255 mm |
| Sidewall height | 8.5 in | 217 mm |
| Wheel (rim) diameter | 16 in | 406 mm |
| Circumference | 103.9 in | 2639 mm |
| Revolutions | 610 per mile | 379 per km |
How it's worked out
The 85 means the sidewall is 85% of the 255 mm width: 216.8 mm, or 8.53 in. Height = wheel + 2 sidewalls = 16 + 2 x 8.53 = 33.1 in.
Similar sizes
Sizes within about 3.5% of the height of 255/85R16. The last column is your real speed at an indicated 60 mph if your speedometer was set for 255/85R16.
| Size | Height | vs 255/85R16 | Real speed at 60 mph shown |
|---|---|---|---|
| 255/80R17 | 33.1 in | -0.0% | 60.0 mph |
| 295/65R18 | 33.1 in | +0.1% | 60.1 mph |
| 33x10.50R15 | 33.0 in | -0.2% | 59.9 mph |
| 33x12.50R15 | 33.0 in | -0.2% | 59.9 mph |
| 33x12.50R17 | 33.0 in | -0.2% | 59.9 mph |
| 33x12.50R18 | 33.0 in | -0.2% | 59.9 mph |
| 33x12.50R20 | 33.0 in | -0.2% | 59.9 mph |
| 275/60R20 | 33.0 in | -0.2% | 59.9 mph |
Going bigger from 255/85R16
If 255/85R16 is your stock size, these are the commonly sold axle ratios that come closest to your stock overall gearing on bigger tires.
| Your ratio now | On 35s | On 37s |
|---|---|---|
| 3.21 | 3.42 exact 3.40 | 3.55 exact 3.59 |
| 3.42 | 3.55 exact 3.62 | 3.91 exact 3.83 |
| 3.55 | 3.73 exact 3.76 | 3.91 exact 3.97 |
| 3.73 | 3.91 exact 3.95 | 4.10 exact 4.17 |
| 3.91 | 4.10 exact 4.14 | 4.30 exact 4.38 |
| 4.10 | 4.30 exact 4.34 | 4.56 exact 4.59 |
Exact = your ratio x new height / 33.1. Front and rear axles must match on a 4WD. Not every ratio is made for every axle. Want more pull than stock? Go one step shorter. More in the regearing guide.
Questions
How tall is a 255/85R16 tire in inches?
33.1 inches (840 mm). That is the nominal height: the 16-inch wheel plus two 8.53-inch sidewalls.
What is 255/85R16 in inches?
33.1x10.0R16: 33.1 inches tall, 10.0 inches wide, for a 16-inch wheel.
Is 255/85R16 a 33-inch tire?
It measures 33.1 inches on paper, so it rounds to 33. Real tires vary a little by brand, load and wear, so check the maker's spec sheet if a fraction of an inch matters.
How many revolutions per mile does 255/85R16 do?
About 610 per mile (379 per km), from its nominal circumference of 103.9 inches.
Nominal dimensions, calculated from the size marking. Real tires differ slightly by brand, rim width, pressure and wear. Fitment depends on your vehicle, lift and wheels: this page doesn't say whether a size fits. Updated 2026-11-14.