Depending on circuits
It usually can
The width of the contact patch of the tire on the road.
For a 12.50 inch wide tire, the Tire & Rim Association approves a rim width range of 8 1/2 inches to 11 inches.
Typically there is a margin of error with tires and tire manufacturers of just 1mm in width or 1 pound per square inch. This margin of error is dependant on whether it is the width of the tire or the air within the tire.
The width of the road.
That is the tire profile or section width. The number is a metric figure standing for the width of the tire in millimeters.
265 on a tire is the width of the tire in mm
No, you have to buy a wider tire.
"Contact" width is the tread with of a tire, not to be confused with sidewall width.
Depends on the size tire and the aspect ration of that tire.
A tire's section width (aka"cross section width") is the measurement of the tire's width from its inner sidewall to its outer sidewall (excluding any protective ribs, decorations or raised letters) at the widest point. This measurement is made without any load placed upon the tire. The rim the tire is mounted on affects this measurement. On a narrow rim the measurement would be "narrower" than if the same tire was mounted on a wide rim. The industry rule of thumb is that for every 1/2" change in rim width, the tire's section width will correspondingly change by approximately 2/10". For example: a tire in the P205/60R15 size is measured on a 6.0" wide wheel and this size tire has an approved rim width range from 5.5" to 7.5" wide. The tire has a section width of 8.23" (209mm) when mounted on a 6.0" wide wheel. If that tire were mounted on a rim: 5.5" - 8.03" cross section width 7.5" - 8.93" cross section width It's mainly important for (fender, frame)clearances, but a narrow rim should give a softer ride due to sidewall positioning, but less grip due to tread not less flat, more sidewall roll.