What Size Tire Is 265/75R16? | Dimensions Explained

A 265/75R16 tire is roughly 31.6–31.7 inches tall and 10.4–10.5 inches wide, built for a 16-inch wheel.

If you’re shopping for tires or comparing sizes, the string of numbers on the sidewall tells you exactly what you’re dealing with. In the 265/75R16 size, the first number is the section width of 265 millimeters, the second is the aspect ratio of 75 percent, and the R16 means it mounts on a 16-inch wheel. Here’s what those numbers actually mean and how they translate to real-world dimensions.

Decoding The 265/75R16 Size

The 265 is the tire’s section width in millimeters, measured from the widest point of the sidewall to the opposite sidewall, not the tread. That comes out to about 10.4–10.5 inches. The 75 is the aspect ratio, meaning the sidewall height is 75 percent of the section width — roughly 7.8 inches. The R stands for radial construction, and the 16 is the wheel diameter in inches.

Adding the sidewall height twice to the wheel diameter gives the overall tire height: about 31.6–31.7 inches depending on the specific model. That figure matters more than the width for most buyers because it determines how much the tire fills the wheel well.

Where Does 265/75R16 Typically Fit?

Most 265/75R16 tires are designed for a rim width between 7.0 and 8.0 inches, though a specific model’s approved range can extend to 7–9 inches depending on its construction. It’s a popular size for light trucks, SUVs, and off-road builds, often used as an upgrade for vehicles that came with 245/75R16 or 265/70R16 from the factory.

One thing to check before ordering: whether the tire is P-metric (passenger) or LT (light truck). The LT prefix changes the load rating and recommended pressure, and it can also affect the approved rim-width range. A standard 265/75R16 and an LT265/75R16 are not interchangeable just because they share the same nominal numbers.

What Changes Between Models?

The nominal size sets the base dimensions, but actual measurements vary slightly from model to model. This is the part most buyers overlook. For example, the BFGoodrich HD-Terrain T/A KT measures 31.70 inches in diameter and 10.40 inches in section width, while other models in the same size can run anywhere from about 31.6 to 31.9 inches.

Tread depth and maximum load vary even more. The Toyo Open Country A/T III in 265/75R16 116T SL carries a max load of 2,756 lbs with a 13.3/32-inch tread depth, while the LT265/75R16 123/120R E version of the same tire carries 3,415 lbs and comes with a deeper 16.3/32-inch tread. Load range E versions commonly list 3,415 lbs at 80 psi.

That’s why the size alone never tells the full story. The load index, speed rating, and load range printed on the sidewall of the specific tire you’re considering are the numbers that actually determine whether it’s right for your truck.

Is It Safe To Change Tire Size From The Factory?

Changing tire size affects clearance, speedometer accuracy, and load-carrying behavior, so matching only the wheel diameter is not enough. A 265/75R16 is significantly larger than a 235/75R15, for example, even though both fit similar-sized vehicles. Before you commit, verify that the larger diameter clears your suspension and fenders at full steering lock and under compression, and confirm the load rating meets or exceeds the original spec for your vehicle.

If you’re ready to see which 265/75R16 mud tires actually perform off-road, our tested roundup of the best 265 75r16 mud tires compares the top options side by side.