A 315/75R16 tire measures roughly 34.6 inches in diameter and 12.4 inches wide, fitting a 16-inch wheel.
If you’re shopping for light truck tires, the numbers on the sidewall tell the whole story. The 315/75R16 size translates to a tire that stands about 34.6 inches tall, spans 12.4 inches across the tread, and mounts on a 16-inch rim. Those dimensions make it a popular choice for trucks and SUVs where ground clearance and aggressive tread matter. The metric sizing breaks down simply: 315 is the section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width), and R16 means it fits a 16-inch wheel.
What Does Each Number In 315/75R16 Mean?
Each part of the tire size label describes a specific physical dimension you can measure. Understanding these helps you verify fitment before buying.
- 315 — Section width in millimeters: 315 mm equals about 12.40 inches across the widest point of the tire.
- 75 — Aspect ratio: the sidewall height is 75% of the width, which works out to roughly 9.30 inches from the rim to the tread.
- R16 — Radial construction on a 16-inch wheel/rim diameter.
Combine the sidewall height with the rim diameter and you get the overall diameter of about 34.60 inches (878.9 mm). The circumference runs close to 108.7 inches, which means the tire makes about 583 revolutions per mile. These figures are the standard reference values for this size.
315/75R16 Specs At A Glance
This size is built primarily for Light Truck use, often in all-terrain or mud-terrain patterns. The approved rim width range for a 315/75R16 is 8 to 11 inches.
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Diameter | 34.6 inches (878.9 mm) |
| Section Width | 12.4 inches (315 mm) |
| Sidewall Height | 9.3 inches |
| Wheel Diameter | 16 inches |
| Circumference | 108.7 inches |
| Revolutions Per Mile | ~583 |
| Approved Rim Width | 8–11 inches |
Most 315/75R16 tires come in Load Range E (10-ply construction) with a load index of 127/124 and a Q speed rating. Sidewalls typically feature OWL (Outlined White Lettering) or BSW (Black Side Wall) styling.
How Much Do Real 315/75R16 Tires Differ?
Published numbers give you a reliable ballpark, but actual tires vary by manufacturer. Take the Toyo Open Country M/T in this size: it measures 34.9 inches in diameter and 12.9 inches in width, with a 21/32-inch tread depth. Its max pressure sits at 65 psi, and it carries a maximum load of 3,860 pounds (single) or 3,525 pounds (dual). Toyo lists this model at 595 revolutions per mile.
Those differences matter for clearance. Exact diameter, width, load rating, and speed rating all shift from one brand to another, so the 34.6-inch figure works as a general reference, not a guarantee. Fitment also depends on wheel width, vehicle clearance, suspension lift, and offset. Before mounting a set, check that your truck has enough room at full suspension travel and full steering lock. If you are weighing specific models, our roundup of the best 315 75R16 mud tires compares top contenders side by side.
Load ratings are another point to verify rather than assume. Several 315/75R16 listings are Load Range E, but the load index can differ by model. Match the tire’s load index, load range, and speed rating to what your vehicle’s door placard requires, especially if you tow or haul heavy loads. Tiresize.com’s 315/75R16 dimension chart confirms the base specs for this size.
FAQs
Will a 315/75R16 fit a stock truck?
Usually not without modifications. The 34.6-inch diameter and 12.4-inch width are larger than stock tires on most half-ton trucks, so rubbing on the frame, fender liners, or control arms is common. A leveling kit or suspension lift is often required, depending on the vehicle model and wheel offset.
What is the difference between 315/75R16 and 35×12.50R16?
They are nearly identical sizes. A 35×12.50R16 measures a nominal 35 inches tall and 12.5 inches wide, while a 315/75R16 comes in around 34.6 inches. The metric size is often slightly shorter in actual measurement, but both fit similar wheels and require similar clearance.
Can I put 315/75R16 tires on 8-inch wide wheels?
Yes, 8 inches is the minimum approved rim width for this tire size. An 8-inch wheel will work, though the tire will appear slightly pinched. Wider wheels in the 9 to 10-inch range provide a more stable footprint and are more common for this size.
References & Sources
- Tiresize.com. “315/75R16 Tire Size.” Provides the base diameter, width, sidewall, circumference, and revs-per-mile figures for this size.