215/55R16 dimensions
| Measure | Inches | Millimetres |
|---|---|---|
| Overall height | 25.31 in | 643 mm |
| Section width | 8.46 in | 215 mm |
| Sidewall height | 4.66 in | 118.2 mm |
| Wheel diameter | 16 in | 406 mm |
| Circumference | 79.5 in | 2,020 mm |
| Revolutions per mile | 796.8 |
The math
| Step | Math | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sidewall | 215 × 55% = 118.2 mm ÷ 25.4 | 4.66 in |
| Overall height | 16 + 2 × 4.66 | 25.31 in |
| Width | 215 mm ÷ 25.4 | 8.46 in |
| Circumference | π × 25.31 | 79.5 in |
| Revs per mile | 63,360 ÷ 79.5 | 796.8 |
With a 4.7 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 215/55R16, 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 | 225/55R16 (compare) | 25.7 in | +1.7% | 61.0 mph | Close match |
| Narrower | 205/55R16 (compare) | 24.9 in | -1.7% | 59.0 mph | Close match |
| Taller sidewall | 215/60R16 (compare) | 26.2 in | +3.3% | 62.0 mph | Check clearance |
| Shorter sidewall | 215/50R16 (compare) | 24.5 in | -3.3% | 58.0 mph | Check clearance |
| Wider, shorter sidewall | 225/50R16 (compare) | 24.9 in | -1.8% | 58.9 mph | Close match |
| Narrower, taller sidewall | 205/60R16 (compare) | 25.7 in | +1.5% | 60.9 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 185/70R15 (compare) | 25.2 in | -0.5% | -30 mm |
| 235/55R15 (compare) | 25.2 in | -0.5% | +20 mm |
| 215/60R15 (compare) | 25.2 in | -0.6% | +0 mm |
| 205/65R15 (compare) | 25.5 in | +0.7% | -10 mm |
17 in wheels (one wheel size larger)
| Size | Height | Height change | Width change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 235/45R17 (compare) | 25.3 in | +0.1% | +20 mm |
| 195/55R17 (compare) | 25.4 in | +0.5% | -20 mm |
| 215/50R17 (compare) | 25.5 in | +0.6% | +0 mm |
| 205/50R17 (compare) | 25.1 in | -0.9% | -10 mm |
18 in wheels (two wheel sizes larger)
| Size | Height | Height change | Width change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 185/50R18 (compare) | 25.3 in | -0.1% | -30 mm |
| 205/45R18 (compare) | 25.3 in | -0.2% | -10 mm |
| 235/40R18 (compare) | 25.4 in | +0.4% | +20 mm |
| 225/40R18 (compare) | 25.1 in | -0.9% | +10 mm |
Try it with your numbers
Compare 215/55R16 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 · 205/65R16 · 215/60R16.