205/55R16 dimensions
| Measure | Inches | Millimetres |
|---|---|---|
| Overall height | 24.88 in | 632 mm |
| Section width | 8.07 in | 205 mm |
| Sidewall height | 4.44 in | 112.8 mm |
| Wheel diameter | 16 in | 406 mm |
| Circumference | 78.2 in | 1,985 mm |
| Revolutions per mile | 810.7 |
The math
| Step | Math | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sidewall | 205 × 55% = 112.8 mm ÷ 25.4 | 4.44 in |
| Overall height | 16 + 2 × 4.44 | 24.88 in |
| Width | 205 mm ÷ 25.4 | 8.07 in |
| Circumference | π × 24.88 | 78.2 in |
| Revs per mile | 63,360 ÷ 78.2 | 810.7 |
With a 4.4 in sidewall this is a medium sidewall: a balance of cushion and response. Real tires vary by brand and model, and the loaded radius under the vehicle is a bit smaller than this unloaded figure.
One step either way on a 16 in wheel
Each row changes one thing and shows the height change against 205/55R16, plus what 60 mph on the speedometer would really be if you swapped to that size.
| Change | Size | Height | Height change | 60 mph shows as | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wider | 215/55R16 (compare) | 25.3 in | +1.7% | 61.0 mph | Close match |
| Narrower | 195/55R16 (compare) | 24.4 in | -1.7% | 59.0 mph | Close match |
| Taller sidewall | 205/60R16 (compare) | 25.7 in | +3.2% | 61.9 mph | Check clearance |
| Shorter sidewall | 205/50R16 (compare) | 24.1 in | -3.2% | 58.1 mph | Check clearance |
| Wider, shorter sidewall | 215/50R16 (compare) | 24.5 in | -1.7% | 59.0 mph | Close match |
| Narrower, taller sidewall | 195/60R16 (compare) | 25.2 in | +1.3% | 60.8 mph | Close match |
Calculated sizes within ±3% on other wheels
Plus and minus sizes that keep the overall height within about 3% (a rule of thumb from Discount Tire and 1010tires), widths within 30 mm. Calculated, not a list of tires on sale: check that a tire exists in that size.
15 in wheels (one wheel size smaller)
| Size | Height | Height change | Width change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 195/65R15 (compare) | 25.0 in | +0.4% | -10 mm |
| 225/55R15 (compare) | 24.7 in | -0.5% | +20 mm |
| 205/60R15 (compare) | 24.7 in | -0.8% | +0 mm |
| 175/70R15 (compare) | 24.6 in | -0.9% | -30 mm |
17 in wheels (one wheel size larger)
| Size | Height | Height change | Width change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 225/45R17 (compare) | 25.0 in | +0.4% | +20 mm |
| 185/55R17 (compare) | 25.0 in | +0.5% | -20 mm |
| 205/50R17 (compare) | 25.1 in | +0.8% | +0 mm |
| 195/50R17 (compare) | 24.7 in | -0.8% | -10 mm |
18 in wheels (two wheel sizes larger)
| Size | Height | Height change | Width change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 175/50R18 (compare) | 24.9 in | +0.0% | -30 mm |
| 195/45R18 (compare) | 24.9 in | +0.1% | -10 mm |
| 215/40R18 (compare) | 24.8 in | -0.4% | +10 mm |
| 225/40R18 (compare) | 25.1 in | +0.8% | +20 mm |
Try it with your numbers
Compare 205/55R16 with another size · Convert to metric or find a 33 in size · Sizes that fit my wheel
Calculated from the size alone. Real tires vary a little by brand and model, and the loaded radius is a bit smaller. Confirm the wheel width range, clearance, load index and speed rating for your vehicle. See how to read a tire size, the load index chart and the speed rating chart.
Browse: all sizes in inches · 205/50R16 · 205/60R16.