How Tall Is a 245 75R16 Tire? Exact Height, Width & Dimensions

A 245/75R16 tire is about 30.5 inches tall, about 9.6 inches wide, and has a sidewall height of about 7.2 inches. Those numbers are nominal calculations from the tire-size code, so the exact mounted size can vary slightly by tire model, tread design, rim width, inflation, and load.

Last updated: August 18, 2026

What Does 245/75R16 Mean?

The tire code 245/75R16 tells you the tire’s basic size and construction. The first number, 245, is the tire’s section width in millimeters. The second number, 75, is the aspect ratio, meaning the sidewall height is 75% of the section width. The letter R means radial construction, and 16 means the tire fits a 16-inch wheel.

This format is the standard way to read many metric passenger, SUV, and light-truck tire sizes. Tire Rack explains that section width is listed in millimeters, the aspect ratio is the sidewall height as a percentage of that width, “R” identifies radial construction, and the final wheel number identifies the matching wheel diameter. Tire Rack’s tire-sidewall guide is a useful reference for decoding these markings.

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245/75R16 Size in Inches and Millimeters

A nominal 245/75R16 tire has an overall diameter of about 30.47 inches, which rounds to 30.5 inches. The section width is about 9.65 inches, which rounds to 9.6 inches. The sidewall height is about 7.23 inches, which rounds to 7.2 inches.

These numbers are calculated from the size code. Real tire specifications can be slightly different. For example, Cooper’s LT245/75R16 Discoverer AT3-LT specification lists a 9.7-inch section width and a 30.35-inch overall diameter, showing why you should check the exact tire model when clearance is tight. Cooper Tire’s specification table is a real-world example of model-specific sizing.

How to Calculate a 245/75R16 Tire Size

You can calculate the main dimensions with simple tire-size math. General Tire explains that, for metric tire sizes, you convert the section width to inches, multiply by the aspect ratio to get sidewall height, double that sidewall height, and add the wheel diameter. General Tire’s sidewall guide outlines this calculation method.

• Width: 245 mm ÷ 25.4 = 9.65 inches
• Sidewall: 245 mm × 0.75 = 183.75 mm, or 7.23 inches
• Overall diameter: 7.23 + 7.23 + 16 = 30.47 inches
• Metric diameter: 30.47 × 25.4 = 773.9 mm

A 245/75R16 tire is commonly rounded to 30.5 inches tall, but the exact measured diameter depends on the tire model, rim width, inflation pressure, and load.

Will a 245/75R16 Tire Fit My Vehicle?

A 245/75R16 tire fits only when the vehicle, wheel, load requirement, and available clearance are compatible with that exact tire. The “16” confirms the required wheel diameter, but a 16-inch wheel by itself does not guarantee safe fitment. Start with the driver-door tire placard or owner’s manual, then match the original-equipment size requirements, load index, speed rating, and cold inflation guidance.

Next, check the exact tire model’s approved rim-width range and measured dimensions. For example, Cooper lists its LT245/75R16 Discoverer AT3-LT for 6.5- to 8-inch rims, with a 9.7-inch section width and 30.35-inch overall diameter on its specified measuring rim. Other 245/75R16 models can measure differently. Finally, verify fender, suspension, brake, and steering clearance through full steering lock and suspension travel before treating any alternate size as compatible.

How 245/75R16 Tires Affect Fitment and Handling

A 245/75R16 tire is common on trucks, SUVs, and some light-duty utility vehicles because it offers a useful mix of sidewall height, ground clearance, and load-carrying options. The taller sidewall can improve ride comfort and help absorb rough surfaces, but it can also feel less sharp than a lower-profile tire during quick steering inputs.

On-Road Handling

On pavement, a 245/75R16 tire usually feels stable and comfortable when it is matched correctly to the vehicle, wheel width, load rating, and pressure. The 9.6-inch nominal width gives a practical contact patch, while the 7.2-inch sidewall adds cushioning. Steering response, braking feel, and road noise still depend heavily on the tire’s tread pattern, casing construction, rubber compound, and inflation pressure.

Off-Road Traction

Off-road, the 30.5-inch diameter can add useful clearance compared with smaller tires. The taller sidewall can also flex more over rocks, ruts, and uneven trails when the tire is used within safe pressure and load limits. Tread design matters more than size alone, so an all-terrain 245/75R16 will behave very differently from a highway-terrain tire in mud, snow, gravel, or rock.

Speedometer and Clearance

Changing tire diameter changes how far your vehicle travels per wheel revolution. A taller tire can make the speedometer read slower than your actual road speed, while a shorter tire can make it read faster. Larger tires can also affect fender clearance, suspension clearance, ABS, traction control, gearing, and transmission shift behavior.

Recommended PSI and Wear Patterns for 245/75R16

There is no single correct PSI for every 245/75R16 tire. The right pressure depends on the vehicle, axle load, tire load range, tire construction, and use. A standard-load 245/75R16 and an LT245/75R16 Load Range E tire can have very different inflation requirements.

NHTSA advises using the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold tire inflation pressure, found on the tire information placard or certification label. Cold pressure means the tire has not been driven for at least three hours. NHTSA’s TireWise guidance is the safest reference for pressure basics.

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Common Wear Pattern Clues

• Both outer edges wearing faster: often points to under-inflation, overloading, or aggressive cornering.
• Center wearing faster: often points to over-inflation for the load being carried.
• One edge wearing faster: often suggests alignment, camber, or suspension issues.
• Feathering or sawtooth wear: can indicate toe alignment problems, worn suspension parts, or missed rotations.
• Cupping or scalloping: may point to worn shocks, imbalance, or suspension problems.

Chalk Test: A Rough Check, Not a PSI Specification

A chalk test is only a rough visual check of tread contact. It cannot determine the vehicle manufacturer’s approved cold pressure and should not replace the tire placard, owner’s manual, or applicable load/inflation data. If the chalk pattern looks uneven, use that as a reason to re-check cold pressure, vehicle load, alignment, tire condition, and suspension rather than changing PSI from the chalk pattern alone.

What Tire Sizes Are Close to 245/75R16?

The sizes below are dimensional comparisons, not universal replacements. A safe substitute still depends on your vehicle’s factory size, load rating, wheel width, clearance, drivetrain, and intended use. Keep rolling circumference close to the original equipment size unless the vehicle manufacturer, tire manufacturer, or a qualified tire professional confirms the change is suitable.

Continental’s plus-sizing guidance says replacement tires should have equal or greater load capacity and speed rating compared with the original equipment tires, and the original rolling circumference should be maintained as closely as possible. Continental’s plus-sizing bulletin also notes that changes in rolling circumference can affect the speedometer, ABS, and stability-control systems.

Speedometer note: These are theoretical values assuming the vehicle was calibrated for a nominal 30.47-inch 245/75R16. Real tire revolutions per mile vary by model, load, inflation, and wear.

Continental notes that, under most circumstances, a rolling-circumference change within about ±3% does not require adjustment to systems such as the speedometer, ABS, or stability control, but the vehicle manufacturer’s guidance still controls. That puts the nominal 265/75R16 comparison outside that ±3% window at about 3.9% larger.

The closest alternatives in diameter are usually 255/70R16 and 265/70R16, but width and clearance still matter. The 235/75R16 is narrower and slightly shorter. The 265/75R16 is significantly taller, so it needs extra clearance and may change speedometer accuracy more noticeably.

If you are checking this size on a Toyota Tacoma, use the vehicle-specific guides for finding the correct Tacoma tire size and Tacoma tire clearance with stock suspension before moving to a wider or taller option.

Load Range and Speed Ratings for 245/75R16 Tires

A 245/75R16 tire can come in different load ranges and service descriptions. For example, some are standard-load SUV tires, while others are LT tires with higher load capacity for trucks, towing, or heavier work. Always match or exceed the original equipment load index and speed rating unless the vehicle or tire manufacturer gives different guidance.

Speed ratings are the letter at the end of the service description, such as 111T or 120/116R. Continental explains that speed symbols identify the tire’s tested maximum speed capability under specified conditions. Continental’s speed-index chart gives the mph and km/h values. The table below is a general speed-index reference; not every rating is offered in every 245/75R16 tire model.

Speed rating is not a recommended driving speed. It is a tested capability under specific conditions. Follow posted speed limits, keep tires properly inflated, and do not downgrade below the vehicle manufacturer’s required rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

A 245/75R16 tire is approximately 30.5 inches tall, 9.6 inches wide, and built for a 16-inch wheel. Use those nominal dimensions to compare sizes, not to approve a fitment by themselves. Before buying or installing a tire, check the exact model’s measured dimensions and approved rim-width range, then confirm the vehicle’s load index, speed rating, clearance, and cold pressure requirements on the tire placard or in the owner’s manual.

Sources

1. Tire Rack — How to read tire size on a sidewall — backs up section width, aspect ratio, radial construction, wheel diameter, load index, and speed rating definitions.
2. General Tire — How to read your tire sidewall — backs up metric tire diameter calculation method.
3. Cooper Tire — Discoverer AT3-LT specifications — backs up real-world LT245/75R16 measured section width and overall diameter variation.
4. NHTSA TireWise — Tire safety and pressure guidance — backs up cold tire pressure and vehicle placard guidance.
5. Continental Tire — Plus sizing bulletin — backs up replacement-size guidance for load capacity, speed rating, rolling circumference, clearance, and vehicle systems.
6. Continental Tires — Speed index chart — backs up Q, R, S, T, and H speed-rating values.
7. Tire Rack — How to check tire specs — explains why measured section width can change with rim width and why model-specific specs matter.